Exclusive: Big boost in mental health for Toowoomba region

Mental health services in the Toowoomba region will receive a major boost as part of a $26 million investment.

FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT: The Federal Government is investing in mental health services in the Toowoomba region.

Mental health services in the Toowoomba region will receive a major boost as part of a $26 million investment.

The Federal Government has announced it will supply more than $986,254.52 in funding to Headspace to ensure young people in the Toowoomba region can access mental health services.

Member for Groom Garth Hamilton said the grant would assist with creating better social and health outcomes for Toowoomba’s youth.

“Headspace Toowoomba has been experiencing high demand for services,” Mr Hamilton said.

“This funding will help them expand their services and improve access to high quality, youth friendly and mental health support.”

Benefiting from grants of up to $1.8 million each, 40 Headspace services in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia will receive a boost.

Offering free or affordable youth-friendly support in mental health, physical health, substance misuse, employment and education, Headspace centres provide a safe place for young people.

Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt said the investment would go a long way with one in four young Australians affected by mental illness every year.

“Many young people have also been substantially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, making it more important than ever to ensure access to youth mental health services,” Mr Hunt said.

“The funding reinforces our Government’s strong commitment achieving better mental health for all Australians and will complement our record investment of $6.5 billion in mental health and suicide prevention services in 2021-22.”

“Headspace offers a safe, welcoming place where young people can get non-judgmental professional help and peer support, so they can tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them,” Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Minister David Coleman said.

The funding is part of the Federal Government’s $152 million investment in the Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program, which aims to reduce waiting times and make capital improvements.

Over the next four years $873.2 million in funding will go towards the national Headspace network with $758.2 million allocated for new, ongoing delivery of and the development of existing services.

The Federal Government also committed $2.3 billion in the 21/22 budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.

If you are struggling please phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, Beyond on Blue on 1300 224 636.

For advice and support visit Headspace by clicking here.