First Nations young people in the remote communities of Mutitjulu and Yulara in the Northern Territory are benefiting from access to free mental health support through headspace’s cultural outreach service.
The service will receive an additional $504,385 through the headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program for infrastructure upgrades.
Today Assistant Minister McBride visited Mutitjulu and met with staff and young people who attend the headspace outreach service.
This innovative program supports First Nations young people needing social and emotional wellbeing support to get local, culturally appropriate services when and where they need it.
The program provides support from a headspace Mental Health Clinician and headspace Aboriginal Youth Workers and offer supports that have been co-designed together with community.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $290 million into headspace. There are currently 172 headspace services open with a commitment to grow to 203.
As part of the $1.1 billion mental health election commitment, over $200 million will be invested in 58 new or expanded headspace services. This includes 2 new remote centres and 20 outreach services in rural and remote communities.
Currently, along with the Mutitjulu and Yulara service, headspace has First Nations led services in Alice Springs, Broome, Mt Isa, Kununurra, and the Brisbane North service which is due to open in the coming months.
The Mutitjulu and Yulara headspace outreach service is funded by the Albanese Labor Government, through the Northern Territory Primary Health Network, operated by Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service.
For young people who prefer online support, eheadspace is available at: www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“Mental ill health disproportionately impacts First Nations young people, including in remote communities.
“headspace Mutitjulu and Yulara is breaking down barriers and giving local young people a culturally safe place to access the support and care they need.
“The Albanese Labor Government is investing in more headspace services in remote communities, including 20 new outreach services like this one.
Quotes attributable to Minister McCarthy:
“The Albanese Labor Government is ensuring more First Nations young people have access to culturally safe, mental health support.
“The Mutitjulu and Yulara headspace outreach service is doing important work with supports that have been co-designed with community.
“Our young people need to know there is always support available.”
Quotes attributable to Marion Scrymgour, Member for Lingiari:
“The headspace services at Mutitjulu and Yulara are making a difference in remote communities where it’s otherwise difficult to access culturally sensitive and appropriate mental health services.
“We know that getting support and treatment early is important to reduce the duration and impact of mental illness.
“Young people in Mutitjulu and Yulara are encouraged to reach out for the help they need.”