By Gladys Barreta
Major parties have a keen eye on improving mental health services in the region, with election promises that could deliver more free mental health support for Melton.
The Coalition has pledged $6.2 million for headspace Melton as part of its $400 million investment in youth mental health.
Under the Coalition’s funding plan, headspace Melton could receive additional support workers and youth mentors, enabling up to 12,000 more service occasions per year—giving 2500 more young people access to vital mental health care.
The funding will also allow headspace Melton to expand its community outreach activities.
Liberal Party candidate for Hawke, Simmone Cottom said the commitment to local mental health services showed that a Liberal government would focus on community needs.
The federal government’s re-election promise for strengthening mental health support services includes upgrading the local headspace centre in Melton to a new headspace Plus.
headspace Plus is a new model of headspace, with more staff and greater capacity to support young people experiencing complex and serious mental health issues.
Hawke MP Sam Rae said the upgraded headspace Plus in Melton would provide the community with essential free mental health care.
Melton mayor Steve Abboushi welcomed both major parties’ commitments to strengthening mental health services in the region.
“We know early intervention and support are extremely important when it comes to mental health, so having local services that can be easily accessed by young people in our community is critical.”
