Government boosts mental health funding by $52 million

SCOTT Morrison has announced a $52 million funding boost for an Australian mental health organisation to help young people struggling with mental illness.

YOUNG Australians experiencing mental health issues are expected to be able to get help more easily as a result of the federal government pledging to spend almost $52 million on support centres.

The coalition has announced it is boosting funding for Headspace, which runs 107 youth mental health centres across the nation.

Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP: I’m pretty pumped up about this $50 million boost for @headspace_aus. This is all about keeping Australians together, we need to embrace those who are hurting.

BACKGROUND: https://t.co/DbAHKo41kE pic.twitter.com/MYyUwwTRTv

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) October 13, 2018

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the funds will help the centres provide an extra 14,000 services and employ more staff, helping to reduce wait times. About $12.8 million of the money will go towards Headspace’s online counselling and treatment programs.

The Prime Minister mingles with Adelaide’s youth as he announces an extra 50 million dollars towards mental health services for teenagers. @headspace_aus @TenNewsADEL @channeltennews pic.twitter.com/dagENmX3Kj

— Hannah Foord (@HannahFoord10) October 13, 2018

“We want young people to know they are not alone on their journey, and that we’re backing quality frontline support,” Mr Morrison said in a statement.

The extra funds are on top of the $95.7 million the government already spends on the centres each year.

About one in four young Australians experience mental illness each year.