A new centre is set to provide mental health and wellbeing support to young people on the Sunshine Coast.
The headspace centre in Caloundra is expected to open in mid-2023.
It is one of 10 new centres funded in the 2021-22 Federal Budget, as part of the plan to strengthen, enhance and expand the national headspace network.
It is estimated that one in four people aged 16 to 24 experience some form of mental illness every year and that 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before the age of 25.
Sunshine Coast MP Andrew Wallace said it was a priority to ensure that that young people had access to care.
“We want young people to receive the help, support and care they need, where and when they need it,” he said.
“With its accessible and confidential mental health services, this new headspace centre will play an essential role in keeping young people in our community safe and well.”
Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network and headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation have started planning to ensure that the service reflects the needs of the local community.
The new headspace centres will be established in a phased approach during four years, as part of the largest ever expansion of the headspace network, taking the number of headspace services to 164 by 2025-26, up from just 56 in 2013.
Headspace offers highly-effective free or low-cost support for mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study, and alcohol and other drug use to young Australians aged 12-25.
Services are co-designed with and for young people to ensure that they are relevant, accessible, and delivered in a safe, confidential, and youth-friendly environment.
Young people can also get support through national online and phone (1800 650 890) support service, which is staffed by experienced youth mental health professionals. It provides young people and carers with a safe, secure, and anonymous place to talk to a professional, wherever they are.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston said the Liberal National Party’s $2.3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, established in 2021, continues to deliver landmark reform of the mental health system.
She said the plan “includes a record $873.2 million investment in the national headspace network to establish more centres, improve existing sites, deliver more mental health services, and reduce wait times for access to mental health care.
“It is so important that young people feel supported in asking for help with their mental health and these centres provide this support for approximately 630,000 young Australians and a further 580,000 children each year.”
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