Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) welcomes the announcement by the Australian Government’s Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, of a new headspace centre in Monash.
EMPHN CEO, Robin Whyte, said the new centre will improve access to local mental health services for young people in the community.
“In our community, young people aged 18 –24 have the highest prevalence of mental illness of any age group,” Ms Whyte said.
“We welcome the support of the Australian Government to establish a new headspace for this community and thank our partners for advocating with us for this service.
“The new headspace will provide responsive and integrated services for young people between the ages of 15 – 24 years in Monash and surrounding areas, who experience mental health issues.”
The announcement comes following advocacy by the City of Monash, young people and local community services for a headspace centre to support the high numbers of young people living, working and studying in the area and challenges travelling to the nearest headspace Centers.
In addition, the City of Monash’s youth ambassadors reported mental health as young people’s number one issue of concern.
The service will provide integrated, early intervention mental and physical health services, and alcohol and drug support to young people, particularly those who are vulnerable and at-risk.
Services are planned to include outreach to the surrounding areas to enhance relationships and build capacity of schools, general practices and other services providers working with young people.
EMPHN will commission a lead agency to operate the headspace later this year, with site establishment planned to occur in 2020.
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Media enquiries: Claire James claire.james@emphn.org.au 0425 887 397
About EMPHN: Eastern Melbourne PHN is a Primary Health Network funded by the Australian Government to improve the care and support people receive from health services. We aim to improve the health of our community by ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. www.emphn.org.au