Young people in the New South Wales Northern Rivers can now access free mental health support with the opening of headspace Ballina.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, joined local Member and Assistant Minister, Justine Elliot, to officially open the new service today.
Located at 32 Swift Street, headspace Ballina will provide free support to young people aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing or at risk of mild to moderate mental ill-health.
headspace provides support across four areas - mental health, alcohol and drugs, work and study, and physical and sexual health.
headspace Ballina is funded by the Australian Government, commissioned by the North Coast Primary Health Network and operated by Social Futures.
This service will build on the work of headspace Lismore, which provided outreach services to young people following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.
To meet growing demand for youth mental health services the Australian Government has committed more than $300 million to expand the headspace network to 174 across the country by 2026, including 91 in regional communities.
To boost services and reduce wait times the government has committed $27.1 million to the grow the Early Career Program at headspace which supports 150 graduates and 1500 student placements at headspaces each year.
Young people who prefer online support can access eheadspace by calling 1800 650 890 or visiting www.headspace.org.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government is investing in the headspace network so young people can access free mental health care close to home.
"There are now 91 headspaces in regional Australia our commitment to supporting young people outside the major centres.
"Natural disasters can have long lasting effects on people's mental health. The opening of headspace Ballina makes sure young people affected by the floods, or experiencing any mental health concerns have access to the support they need."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Elliot:
"Establishing a permanent headspace in Ballina will reduce the burden of mental ill-health in our community and help our young people to thrive.
"This is the second headspace for Richmond after headspace Tweed Heads. Both headspaces are examples of the Australian Government supporting the health and wellbeing of regional Australians.
"I would like to recognise headspace Lismore for the crucial outreach services they have provided over the past few years to support young people in Ballina following the floods."
