Young people in South West Coast will be able to access mental health support easier and closer to home under an elected Liberal Nationals Government.
Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell said distance often made it difficult for young people living outside Warrnambool or Portland to access headspace.
Young people will benefit from $1.14 million in grants over four years under a Liberal Nationals Government, for headspace to provide outreach services to communities in Regional Victoria.
“headspace is a safe space for young people to come and talk about what they’re going through and these grants will mean more opportunities to do this,” Mrs Britnell said.
“Programs could include social events for young people or regular services in communities without a permanent headspace location.
“These grants will make sure young Victorians have access to headspace’s important mental health services – regardless of where they live.”
headspace is a critical support network for Victorians aged 12 to 25 in Melbourne and Regional Victoria.
One in four young people have experienced a mental health issue in the past 12 months – a higher prevalence than all other age groups.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said these new outreach services will make sure young people can get the help they need, close to home.
“headspace has had great success in engaging youth with mental health and drug and alcohol problems, but we can do better in Victoria to support our young people,” Ms Kealy said.
“We must make sure all young people can get the mental health support they need – regardless of where they live.
“I’m proud to be part of a Liberal Nationals Government that will put the health of our young people first, boosting support by funding much-needed headspace outreach services across the state.”
Outreach services have been successfully established in New South Wales and Queensland.
