Boosting the mental health of young Australians is at the centre of a $47 million investment into headspace
Foundation CEO Jason Trethowan said the boost has secured the delivery of the headspace platform until 2023.
“This funding will ensure the continuation of the important early intervention work … and that young people’s voices are heard and acted upon,” he said.
It will also employ eight young people with “lived experience of mental health issues” as ambassadors to raise awareness, improve how people seek support and help destigmatise mental health issues.
Mt Gambier headspace volunteer Ally Finnis, 22, has seen first hand the impact the foundation has on young people in the community.
She said the new investment will bring service providers together to deliver a great outcome nationwide.
“Mental health is a significant issue,” Ms Finnis said.
“It is really important for young people not only to have the tools but the awareness to help not only themselves, but each other, to be as mentally healthy as they can and support and empower each other.”
About one in four young Australians aged 16 to 24 experience mental illness in any given year.
Mr Hunt said he was committed to ensuring that people can get information, advice, understanding, counselling and treatment, when and where they need it.
“I want our young people to know they are not alone on their journey, and that headspace is there to deliver quality frontline support and co-ordinate the right interventions for people who are at risk,” he said.
Source: News.com.au