Young people in Tasmania will soon have better access to mental health support with a new statewide early psychosis service and an additional headspace centre on Hobart's eastern shore.
The Tasmania Primary Health Network has received funding to establish both services, which will be set up and run by EACH. EACH has a proven track record of providing health and support services across eastern Australia for 50 years.
Tasmania's first dedicated early psychosis youth service will deliver expert support for young people experiencing or at risk of developing psychosis.
The free and confidential service will be rolled out around the state from late 2024. The Albanese Government has provided funding for Tasmania to join a network of 14 other headspace Early Psychosis programs across the country.
A new headspace centre on Hobart's eastern shore will offer free, wraparound mental health support and care and is expected to open in early 2025.
The new headpsace will deliver on the important commitment the Albanese Government made before the last election.
There are currently 160 headspace services operating nationally, including locations in central Hobart, Launceston and Devonport, and a satellite service in Burnie.
The Albanese Government committed to grow the network to 173 services by 2025-26 and is investing more than $290 million in the program in 2023-24.
headspace services provide free support to young people aged 12 to 25 experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental illness. Care is provided in four key areas - mental health, related physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug support, and vocational services.
Young people who prefer online or phone services can access free, telephone and web-based support through eheadspace. Further information on eheadspace is available at www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
"The Albanese Government is growing the headspace network, including the important Early Psychosis program, to help young Australians with their mental health.
"We know demand for these services is growing and that early intervention is important for young people in distress or showing early signs of mental ill-health.
"Early intervention can help reduce the duration and impact of mental illness, and I would encourage young people on Hobart's eastern shore and the surrounding region to seek help when they need it."
Quotes attributable to Julie Collins MP, Member for Franklin:
"Our community has been calling for more mental health services, particularly for our young people, and I'm so pleased we are now a step closer to delivering these vital mental health services.
"Our kids and young adults will be able to access mental health support here on the Eastern Shore.
"We are taking action to help improve the mental health of young Tasmanians with free, holistic and wrap around mental health care."
