Mental Health Gets Final Reform Funding

National youth mental health foundation, Headspace will deliver a new youth treatment service as the final element of the Federal Government’s national mental health reform plan.

Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler said the $247 million in Federal Government funding would allow Headspace to broaden its service to deliver nine early psychosis youth services across Australia to support young people with more complex mental illnesses.

“Initially, four ‘hubs’ will be established, building to nine over a three year period, with at least one located in each state and territory. The initial four sites will be located in: western Sydney; south-east Melbourne; western Adelaide; and north-east Perth, with two to be up and running by July 1.

“These sites will act as service ‘hubs’ and will be a key element of Headspace’s growing network across Australia,” Butler said.

Butler said State and Territory Governments would be important to the delivery of the EPPIC initiative and he would continue to work with the all jurisdictions on how they could contribute.

“If State and Territory Governments are able to commit their own resources, this initiative can be scaled up in their jurisdictions,” he said.

The sites will deliver the services based on the EPPIC model of care which has been championed by the 2010 Australian of the Year, Professor Patrick McGorry.
Professor McGorry said the decision to channel early psychosis care through the national Headspace platform was a welcomed breakthrough in mental health reform.

“It will allow young Australians with early psychosis in every state and territory to access expert 21st century care for the first time," he said.
"Young people and their families will now be able to access specialist care for early psychosis in optimistic stigma-free environments and in a more holistic evidence informed and comprehensive way.

"This strategic partnership between EPPIC and Headspace represents a significant stage in building a national system of youth mental health care and realising the potential of young Australians to flourish and contribute.”

The model includes: 24 hour home based care and assessment; community education and awareness programs; easy access to acute and sub-acute services; continuing care case management; mobile outreach; medical and psychological interventions; functional recovery, group, family and peer support programs; workforce development; and youth participation.

Headspace CEO Chris Tanti said the announcement would see a “once-in-a-generation change” in the way young people with serious, but less common, mental health issues were supported in our community.

“Headspace has been providing mental health support in a youth friendly environment since 2006. Young people trust Headspace and recognise it as an accessible and safe place to get help for their problems.