Bunbury's headspace set to deliver new programs thanks to funding boost

The Turnbull Government announced headspace’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation would receive a $30 million boost as part of a $110 million funding initiative to extend and expand mental health programs for young Australians.

The expanded South West services will include the headspace Busselton Satellite and an after hours service in Bunbury, which is being funded through the WA Primary Health Alliance.

Bunbury headspace manager Marie Eckersley said the funding would reduce demands on services by expanding the organisations capacity to provide an after hours service two days a week.

“Being able to provide local services is vital to ensuring our youth can access appropriate support, without the additional barriers of distance and travel,” she said.

Close to 3000 young people have been supported on more than 17,500 occasions since headspace Bunbury opened in January 2013.

Bunbury headspace clinical leader Yvonne Stanes said the number of people accessing the service continued to increase by an extra 100 young people every year.

“Any increase in funding will enable services to expand and more young people being supported,” she said.

“We do have anecdotal feedback from young people that they are not able to access youth friendly mental health support as travelling to Bunbury is not an option for them due to cost and practical barriers.”

Relationships Australia WA family mental health services is the lead agency for Busselton and Bunbury headspace.

Senior manager Janalie Nelson said it was encouraging that youth mental health was regarded as a priority on a national level and that it was filtering through in an increase in funding and hopefully an increase in youth friendly mental health services becoming available for young people in the South West.

If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available. Lifeline: 13 11 44. Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636.