Young people in Western Victoria now have greater access to free mental health care and support, following the opening of a new youth mental health service in Hamilton today by Assistant Minister Kate Thwaites.
headspace Hamilton, located at 48 Thompson Street, will assist the growing number of young people aged 12 to 25 years who experience or are at risk of mild to moderate mental ill-health.
headspace provides a welcoming, youth-friendly space and highly trained staff who can provide help with mental health care, physical and sexual health care, alcohol and drug issues, and work and study.
headspace Hamilton is funded by the Australian Government through the Western Victoria Primary Health Network and is operated by Brophy Family and Youth Services.
There are currently 171 headspace services operating nationally, with commitments to expand the network to 177 by 2026-27.
To help boost Australia's mental health workforce and make sure young people can access the health care they need, the Government has provided $27.1 million to headspace's Early Career Program (ECP) which supports 1500 student and 150 graduate placements in headspace services.
Extending the ECP will lift workforce capacity and support services to meet increased demand across the headspace network.
Young people in the Hamilton region who prefer to receive support online or via phone can visit www.headspace.org.au or call 1800 650 890.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"Mental health is essential to our health and wellbeing, and providing affordable, accessible mental health care is a key part of our government's Medicare reforms.
"Many young people in regional Australia have until now found it especially difficult to get the mental health support they need. That is why we have delivered more headspace services in regional communities, like Hamilton.
"The new headspace will allow young people in western Victoria to receive personal mental health support close to home and address emerging problems before they escalate."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Thwaites:
"I'm pleased to be here in Hamilton opening this fantastic new service for the local community.
"I know how important it is for communities - and particularly local youth - to be connected to mental health services that are accessible and available when they need it.
"Our Government understands the difference headspace makes in the lives of young people and their families, and that's why we're continuing to expand the network of youth mental health services across the country."
