Boost to mental health support in the Territory
Young people in the Northern Territory will benefit from improved access to mental health support and care with a boost in funding for headspace in Darwin and Alice Springs.
headspace Darwin will receive $1,228,070 for building upgrades and headspace Alice Springs will receive $542,553 to expand cultural capability activities through the headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program.
Assistant Minister Emma McBride visited headspace Darwin and met with staff, members of the Youth Reference Group and announced the funding boost.
headspace is the primary national platform for young people aged 12 to 25 years old who are experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental ill-health.
headspace provide support in four core areas – mental health and wellbeing, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support.
Assistant Minister Emma McBride visited headspace Darwin.
The Government is investing more than $290 million into headspace.
There are currently 172 headspace services open with a commitment to grow to 203.
“Boosting funding for headspace Darwin and Alice Springs will support these services to meet the growing needs of local young people,” Ms McBride said.
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the Government was ensuring more young Australians, including First Nations youth, can access mental health services.
“This extra funding for headspace Darwin and Alice Springs will allow more young people to get the support they need, closer to home,” she said.
More support
“Young Territorians need to know there is always support available.”
As part of the $1.1 billion mental health election commitment, over $200 million will be invested in 58 new, upgraded and expanded headspace services.
Across the country, 30 headspace centres will be uplifted to headspace Plus, offering support for more complex and ongoing mental ill health, including headspace Darwin.
Both headspace services are funded by the Government and commissioned by the NT Primary Health Network.
Headspace Darwin is provided by Anglicare NT and headspace Alice Springs is provided by Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service.
For young people who prefer online support, eheadspace is available at: www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.
