Young Australians seeking help for depression and anxiety will get further assistance with an injection of more than $100 million into school mental health programs and a range of new Headspace centres.
Key points:
- Major funding boost for kids mental health
- $75 million for new Headspace centres and student mental health programs
- More funds for digital mental health services
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the initiatives would help schools and communities to support the wellbeing and mental health of Australian kids and respond to personal and community challenges.
“We know that around 4 million Australians experience a mental health condition every year,” he said.
“People of all ages can be affected, either directly themselves or because someone close to them might be suffering and even young children can be deeply affected.
“Programs for beyondblue, Headspace, Origin and Kids Helpline and Reach Out and others are all about ensuring that we provide assistance before the problems emerge and when they do emerge there are avenues for treatment and avenues for people to seek emergency help.”
More than $45 million of the funding injection will go to beyondblue for its integrated school-based Mental Health in Education initiative.
– Sophie Scott and Justine Kearney
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