The stats are not pretty: 1 in 4 Australians aged 16 to 24 are living with a mental disorder, 1 in 3 experiences moderate to high levels of psychological distress.
However data measuring young men’s access to mental health care reveals that only 13% received any care for their mental illness.
Now with a new headspace service coming to Narellan, young people in the region can look forward to some additional mental health support.
“After the challenges of the last few years, looking after our mental health is more important than ever,” said Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor.
“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 programme for young Australians aged 12 – 25 and offers effective free or low-cost support for mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study, and alcohol and other drug use.
The new Narellan centre has been funded in the 2021-22 Budget as part of the Government’s $2.3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan and will be, Mr Taylor says, a critical resource for the young people of Narellan and surrounding suburbs.
South Western Sydney Primary Health Network will receive ongoing funding of more than $1 million per year from 2022-23 for the centre.
