Finance

Federal government gifts $110 million to headspace

AAP & Third Sector December 20, 2018

< 1 min read

The federal government has gifted $110 million to headspace, allowing young people to get help at more than a dozen support centres.

Darwin and Adelaide headspace mental health will be two of the 14 centres to get a share of the funding to keep an early psychosis program running. This supports people who are at risk of experiencing psychosis, which makes it difficult to process what is and isn’t real.

CEO of headspace, Jason Trethowan, said that these investments are critical in ensuring more young people can access the support tailored to their needs.

“The program aims to reduce the incidence and impact of psychosis in young people through prevention, early detection and coordinated care delivery,” Trethowan said.

“It will enable headspace to continue to support young people and their families who are experiencing psychosis with a focus on functional recovery and re-engagement in education and employment, leading to better long-term outcomes.”

Early psychosis usually emerges in adolescents and can be triggered by mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression. By preventing psychosis or dealing with it early, the program aims to reduce the incidence of the condition.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said: “Providing mental health services for young people is critical. “Intervention early in life and at an early stage of illness can reduce the duration and impact of mental illness.”

The funding, set to be rolled out over two years, comes as the federal government rolls in an additional $51.8 million in extra headspace money for all its 107 centres. The one-off spend was aimed at helping the centres employ more staff and reduce waiting times.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au