Headspace4Monash campaign abandoned after lack of Federal Government support

A YOUTH advocacy group has abandoned its campaign for a Monash Headspace after claims the Federal Government refused to support young people with mental health issues.

Mayor Rebecca Paterson, Link’s Carmel Fox, Niharika Hiremath and Julian Hill MP outside Link Health and Community in Clayton. Picture: Steve Tanner

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A YOUTH advocacy group has abandoned its campaign for a Monash Headspace after claims the Federal Government refused to support young people with mental health issues.

For the past three years, Headspace4Monash, Monash Council and Link Health and Community have been fighting for the Government to open a mental health service in Monash with many youths forced to seek clinical help in Box Hill, Dandenong or Moorabbin.

Bruce federal Labor MP Julian Hill recently said in Parliament he was extremely disheartened by the group’s decision to abandon its campaign.

“It’s disappointing and frustrating for our community, especially for the young people who poured time and effort into advocating passionately for a dedicated mental health service, a Headspace, over many years,” Mr Hill said.

He said federal MPs in Monash refused to back the community in its plight.

Mr Hill told the Monash Leader he would continue to work with the council and Link to ensure there would be a dedicated mental health service for young people.

Despite repeated requests from the Monash Leader the Government did not comment before deadline.

Niharika Hiremath, 22, who was part of Headspace youth advisory committee in Dandenong said there was an urgent need for a Headspace outlet or improved mental services in Monash.

“An ideal situation was to have a Headspace but now we’re campaigning to secure funding for improved mental health services because people in Monash deserve this,” Ms Hiremath said.

Ms Hiremath, who suffered an emotional breakdown in 2015, said Headspace saved her life.

“They provided me with so much support and they were instrumental in my recovery. I would not be the person I am today without their assistance,” she said.

Link community wellbeing general manager Carmel Fox said she was disappointed Monash missed out on Headspace funding.

“We really demonstrated a need for this service in the community,” Ms Fox said.

Mayor Rebecca Paterson said it was upsetting the Headspace Advocacy Group in Monash was no longer meeting.

She said the council was now pushing forward with an alternative plan to develop a youth mental health service in Monash.