Campaign for headspace in Monash ignored by Chisholm independent MP Julia Banks

The push for a desperately needed youth mental health service in Monash is more urgent than ever, but the campaign to establish a headspace continues to be ignored by Chisholm independent MP Julia Banks.

The push for a desperately needed dedicated mental health service for young people is more urgent with the start of the school year, experts say.

Yet Monash Leader and Monash Council’s campaign for a headspace in Monash continues to be ignored by Chisholm independent MP Julia Banks, who has announced she will not contest the seat at the federal election.

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Instead the former member of the Liberal Party, who lives in the Mornington Peninsula, will take on Health Minister Greg Hunt for the seat of Flinders.

Julia Banks in the House of Representatives Chamber in Parliament House Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

headspace clinical practice executive director Vikki Ryall said this time of year was emotionally turbulent for young people and their families, including feelings of excitement, anticipation and nerves.

Monash Mayor Shane McCluskey said schools could be challenging places for young people.

“Within the area of education alone, young people stated that achievement, pressure and life balance were the indicators behind why education ranked first as an issue of personal concern,” he said.

The RaiseYourHand4MonashYouth banner was launched last year with former Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris, youth ambassador Wesley Chen, Monash Young Person’s Reference Group chair Stacey Lee and Cr Rebecca Paterson.

Cr McCluskey said getting help to manage their anxiety remained difficult for young people.

“It is critical for our young people that we receive a commitment for a headspace in Monash.”

A Productivity Commission report released last week also showed one in 10 Victorian youths needed help for mental health issues last year from doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists, including 4549 children aged under five.

Ms Banks has repeatedly avoided supporting the push for a headspace centre.

Ms Banks didn’t return Leader’s calls for comment.

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