Monday, October 15, 2018

Australia gives $37-million to support spending on youth mental health

Australia is planning to spend an extra A$51.8 million ($37 million) on support to young people with mental health issues, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday.

This was made known a week ahead of a crucial by-election for Morrison’s ruling Liberal-National coalition, and the money will go to Headspace, a government youth group that runs 107 centers across Australia.

“I want to ensure we give hope to young people … who are struggling with mental health,” Morrison told reporters.

The funds will be an addition to A$95.7 million the centers already receive from the government each year. Most of the sum will go toward services and adding staff, with A$12.8 million earmarked for online counseling and treatment programs.

“Headspace isn’t just about getting counseling services,” Morrison said. “It’s everything from helping young people get a job to supporting their physical activity to improving their relationships. It is dealing with the whole person.”

 

“More young people are seeking help and more young people are getting help,” Headspace Chief Executive Officer Jason Trethowan told journalists. “And we don’t want young people to be waiting any longer than they need to.”

According to Morrison’s office, the investment in Australia’s mental health will reach $4.7 billion this year alone.

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