New headspace outreach service to boost youth mental health support in Leeton
Young people in Leeton and surrounding communities will have improved access to mental health support following the Australian Government's announcement of a new headspace outreach service for the region.
The service is one of 20 new headspace outreach locations being established across regional and remote Australia as part of a more than $27 million government investment to bring mental health support closer to where young people live.
The new outreach service will be delivered through headspace Griffith and will expand access to early intervention mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25 years across the Leeton area.
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network CEO Narelle Mills said the outreach service would improve access to support for young people in Leeton and surrounding communities.
“This is a significant investment in the wellbeing of young people in the Murrumbidgee region and a positive addition to the mental health services available locally,” Ms Mills said.
“By building on the strong foundation already established through headspace Griffith, we can connect more young people and families with the support they need.”
Centacare South West NSW is the lead agency delivering the headspace Griffith centre.
Chief Operating Officer Tracey Febo said the organisation was pleased to build on its existing work in Leeton through the new outreach service.
“Bringing services closer to young people helps reduce barriers to care and encourages earlier help-seeking,” Ms Febo said.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the Leeton community to ensure young people can access support when they need it.”
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride said young people in regional and remote Australia often faced unique challenges associated with isolation and limited access to services.
“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering better access to mental health care for young Australians, no matter their postcode,” Assistant Minister McBride said.
“These new headspace outreach centres will help break down barriers to care, making sure more young people can access support earlier and closer to home.”
Further details about the Leeton outreach service, including service commencement dates and access arrangements, will be provided as planning progresses.
For young people who prefer online or phone support, eheadspace provides free and confidential telephone and web-based services for Australians aged 12 to 25 years.