Coronavirus: Funds boost for mental health
Scott Morrison has put suicide prevention as ‘one of my government’s highest priorities’ during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scott Morrison has put suicide prevention as “one of my government’s highest priorities” during the COVID-19 pandemic, unveiling more funding for mental health services.
The Prime Minister declared “help is available” as he announced an extra $5m for youth service Headspace, $2m for Kids Helpline, $2.5m for Lifeline and $2.5m for Beyond Blue. He said Headspace should be accessed by young people who were distressed.
“This will particularly focus on Year 11 and Year 12 students, young people who have lost their jobs, and tertiary students,” Mr Morrison said. “The funding will be used to recruit and train additional outreach workers who will connect with young people in the community under supervision of the experienced Headspace staff.”
An extra 10 psychological therapy sessions would be available per Victorian. “That’s under Medicare for people in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic who have used their 10 sessions already in a calendar year,” he said.
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