LIBERAL NATIONALS PLEDGE MORE MONEY FOR HEADSPACE

The Liberal Nationals say they will make sure young Victorians have access to the mental health services they need, regardless of where they live, through headspace.

The national youth mental health foundation offers critical support to youths aged 12 to 25 experiencing mental health or drug and alcohol issues, but services can be out of reach, especially for young people living in rural or remote Victoria.

Last week, Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy announced a Liberal Nationals state government would boost access to mental health services for all young Victorians, funding a new headspace outreach program.

“If elected, we’ll provide $1.14 million in grants over four years for headspace to provide outreach services to communities in Regional Victoria and Melbourne.

These new outreach services will make sure young people can get thehelp they need, especially in rural areas where there is limited public transport.”

She sad 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”.

One in four young people have experienced a mental health issue in the past 12 months; a higher prevalence than all other age groups.

Programs could include social events for young people or regular outreach health services in communities without a permanent headspace location.

Outreach services have been successfully established in other states, including in New South Wales and Queensland.