Centre to boost mental health

Perth South Coastal Medicare Local has been selected to operate a new youth mental health service in Rockingham.

Mental Health Minister Mark Butler said evidence suggested once the new centre opened, which is part of the Federal Government’s $2.2 billion National Mental Health reform plan, it would have a positive impact on the mental health of young people in the region.

The service, Headspace, is set to open in January and Mr Butler said the centre would provide information and promote early detection of mental health issues.

He said it would also offer holistic care for young people and would focus on areas of mental health, physical health, alcohol and drug use.

“So far, 92 per cent of young people using headspace centres in other parts of the country have reported improvements in their mental health after using Headspace and we expect to see the same results here in Rockingham,” Mr Butler said.

Brand MHR Gary Gray said headspace would help young people in the community to have a better future.

“We know that one in four young people in our community will experience a mental health issue this year, making it the single biggest issue they face,” he said.

“However, three-quarters of these people aren’t currently receiving the professional support they need because of a lack of access to local youth-specific mental health services.”

To learn more about the program visit www.headspace.org.au.