Opening of a new headspace in Cowra

Young people in Cowra and surrounding areas will now have easier access to mental services with the opening of a new headspace satellite service this week.

The new service, announced as part of the Morrison Government’s $111.3 million funding commitment to establish 30 new headspace services, will open today at its new permanent location at 118 Kendal Street, Cowra .

The service was commissioned by the Western New South Wales Primary Health Network (PHN) to meet the needs of young people in the community. This will provide a permanent home for the interim service currently operating at Cowra.

The Headspace Network is central to the Morrison Government’s vision for primary mental health services for young people. This service will allow young people in the Cowra area to access vital mental health services.

Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt said young people have been significantly affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and access to mental health services and support is 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 young Australians in particular,” said Minister Hunt.

“That’s why we are prioritizing mental health support, ensuring young people have access to care to help them recover and reach their full potential as we continue to reopen the country.”

“Over the next four years, our government will invest $873.2 million in open space, building capacity to reduce wait times and undertaking the largest network expansion to offer 164 services by 2025- 2026.

Riverina MP Michael McCormack welcomed the announcement and said the federal government continues to support youth mental health, especially in regional and rural areas.

“The Cowra community has asked for this service and I am proud to be part of a government that provides these services where they are needed,” McCormack said.

“I was delighted to visit the Cowra Headspace construction site in December and look forward to seeing it fully operational and supporting our community for years to come.

“headspace is recognized by young people, their families and communities as a trusted source of care and has played a vital role in ensuring that young Australians are supported and continue to receive support during these difficult times.”

headspace offers early intervention services in four key areas: mental health, related physical health, social and professional support, and substance use.

Services are co-designed with young people to ensure they are relevant, accessible and highly effective.

Since March 2020, the Morrison government has made available over $1 billion in funding to respond to the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including substantial investment in telehealth services.

The Morrison government also invested a historic $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan through Budget 2020-21 to implement significant mental health system reform and ensure that all Australians have access to high-quality, person-centred care. we are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This brings Health Portfolio spending on mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2021-22 to a record high of $6.5 billion.

Young Australians in need of support can access free services through their local headspace or online through eheadspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/).

Australians looking for assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellness Helpline anytime by phone on 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue .org.au.

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

People seeking help in NSW can also call the dedicated Head to Health number (1800 595 212), speak to a mental health professional and be triaged by this service and directed to the most appropriate care. according to their individual needs.