Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Families and Payments) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today marks 10 years since headspace was first funded by the federal government. Six months ago headspace Greensborough opened in my electorate. It has been a very busy six months. In that time more than 106 young people have sought assistance at our headspace. This translates to more than 250 occasions of care for young people. Since opening, the centre has been embraced by the local community. The SAFEMinds mental health literacy program provides training to local schools, community health centres, parent groups and youth service providers. It teaches educators and caregivers early warning signs for mental health issues, including where someone may be suffering from anxiety or at risk of self-harm. Headspace Greensborough also provides access to drug and alcohol services, as well as access to a range of mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors. This will allow even more young people in the area to access these important mental health services. Patrick McGorry has stated that 75 per cent of disorders develop before the age of 25, so a key priority for us is to refocus our efforts on young people with emerging mental illness. This is why headspace is so important. A very happy headspace day to headspace in Greensborough and centres right around Australia. (Time expired)