MORE FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR WAGGA WAGGA’S HEADSPACE

Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has welcomed additional mental health care funding for Wagga Wagga’s headspace service.

The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $24.2 million across the country to reduce wait times to mental health services, for young people aged 12 to 25 years old, seeking headspace appointments.

Mr McCormack said mental health and suicide prevention was one of the Government’s highest priorities.

“Headspace plays an important role in addressing and raising awareness of mental health in the local community,” Mr McCormack said.

“This year has been particularly difficult with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc, particularly on young Australians, which is why it is vital we move to meet the needs of the community as best we can.

“This extra funding is welcome news and will go a long way to ensuring young Wagga Wagga residents can get the information, advice, understanding, counselling and treatment, when and where they need it.”

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) CEO Melissa Neal said a successful application from MPHN for a headspace Demand and Enhancement Program grant will see headspace Wagga Wagga receive almost $1.2 million in funding over three years after.

“Events such as bushfires, drought and now the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging for young people to navigate and it’s critical for them to be able to access mental health services and supports as quickly as possible,” Ms Neal said.

“In fact, there has been an increase in demand for headspace services as a result and this grant will specifically address reducing wait times for people to access these vital supports.”

Headspace Wagga Wagga Manager Shane Thomas said the boost to funding is welcome news.

“Young people in the region need a place where they can feel safe and comfortable to seek the support they need, and this additional funding will help us see more people and provide the supports they need to help them through these challenging times,” Mr Thomas said.

Prior to the pandemic, headspace service centres were experiencing high demand across the country.

Individual grants of up to $2 million will improve facilities, access and reduce waiting times at headspace services commissioned by Primary Health Networks.

The headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program is an investment of $152 million over seven years from 2018-19 by the Morrison Government to reduce wait times at headspace services.

Through record investments in mental health services and support, the Federal Government will invest an estimated $5.2 billion this year alone.

Since the beginning of the year, our Government has provided $8 billion as part of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) National Health Plan, which is supporting primary care, aged care, hospitals, research and the national medical stockpile.

This includes an additional $500 million for mental health services and support, including $64 million for suicide prevention, $74 million for preventative mental health services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and $48 million to support the pandemic response plan.

If you need help – Lifeline: 13 11 14, Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, ehealthspace: 1800 650 890 or visit headspace.org.au/eheadspace/