headspace welcomes landmark agreement and funding boost for mental health and suicide prevention in NSW

headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation has welcomed today’s landmark announcement which will see a significant investment from the Commonwealth and NSW governments to support mental health and suicide prevention in New South Wales over the next five years.

The signing of a new bilateral agreement between both governments means more than $383 million will be invested over the five years into mental health and suicide prevention support, with $106.1 million going to headspace to substantially expand and enhance services, ensuring it can reach more young people across the state.

This agreement is part of funding commitments from the May 2021 Federal Budget, further boosted by the NSW Government. This includes more support to communities with headspace centres and a commitment of three new headspace locations. 

Speaking at today’s announcement, headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said this funding commitment and the landmark agreement between the Commonwealth and the New South Wales governments will make a huge different to helping young people and their families. 

“The past two years have been particularly tough for young people with events such as the pandemic, and efforts to contain its spread, bushfires, floods and drought continuing to have an impact on their mental health. As a result, we’re seeing more and more young people coming to headspace for support. This agreement will back up front line workers in communities who’ve been working under increasing pressure while continuing to be there for young people presenting to headspace,” Trethowan said.

The agreement and funding boost are recognition of the value communities place on the availability of early intervention services. 

“This support is critical because we know young people are resilient and with the right help and tools they can respond to life’s challenges and maintain the improvements gained from their experience with headspace.

“We recognise the importance of collaboration and a coordinated approach between services to ensure young people receive the most appropriate care for their needs, so it’s great to see the government commit to this as part of the announcement.

“We commend both the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments for recognising the needs of young people and their ongoing commitment to support their wellbeing both now and into the future.”

headspace is the largest youth mental health provider in Australia. Our network of 145 centres across Australia provides tailored and holistic mental health support to thousands of young people aged 12-25 every year. Its reach, trusted brand and evidence-based model mean headspace is the right platform to scale up quickly to meet increased demand for youth mental health support.