THE Federal Government will establish a new headspace service in Hamilton to provide additional mental health support for young people in the region.

Wannon MP, Dan Tehan said that the new centre will be a critical resource for the young people of Hamilton and surrounding communities.

“After the challenges of the last few years, looking after our mental health is more important than ever,” he said.

Mr Tehan said by providing easy access to expert support in a confidential, welcoming environment, this new headspace centre will play an essential role in keeping the young people in our community safe and well.

Headspace is the government’s flagship health program for young Australians aged 12-25. It offers highly effective free or low-cost support for mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study, and alcohol and other drug use.

Services are co-designed with and for young people to ensure that they are relevant, accessible, and delivered in a safe, confidential, and youth-friendly environment.

The new centre, funded in the 2021-22 Budget as part of the Government’s $2.3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, will ensure that young people in Hamilton and surrounding areas can access the vital support they need to support their mental health and wellbeing.

Health and aged care minister, Greg Hunt, said young people have been affected significantly by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and access to mental health services and support was more important than ever.

“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians, and particularly younger Australians,” he said.

“That is why we are prioritising mental health support, ensuring that young people have access to care to help them recover and thrive as we reopen the country.”

It is estimated that one in four people aged 16-24 experiences some form of mental illness every year and that 75 per cent of mental health issues developed before the age of 25.

Mental health and suicide prevention assistant minister, David Coleman, said the headspace network is at the heart of the government’s vision for youth primary mental health services.

“With a focus on early intervention, headspace works with young people at a crucial time in their lives to provide the best possible health care and support, reducing the duration and impact of mental illness and helping them achieve their full potential,” he said.

“We know that headspace is recognised by young people, their families and communities as a trusted source of care and that many communities are in need of more support to help them recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Western Victoria Primary Health Network will receive ongoing funding of more than $1 million per year from 2022-23 for the centre in Hamilton.

Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.

Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (headtohealth.gov.au).