Federal Health Minister Opens Premises For Headspace

Federal Health Minister Opens New Premises for National Youth Mental Health Foundation

20 November 2009

headspace is pleased to announce the official opening today of its National Office in North Melbourne by the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon. Nicola Roxon. Minister Roxon will be greeted by headspace Board Chair Ms Wendy McCarthy AO and headspace CEO Mr Chris Tanti, together with headspace stakeholders, including young people involved in the development and delivery of headspace services.

"headspace Centres exist in every State and Territory. Our national operations are essential for leading and supporting system reform in youth mental health, as well as raising awareness. The opening of our National Office in Melbourne will enable us to consolidate support functions for our 30 sites," said Mr Tanti.

The opening coincides with the recent release of the Independent Evaluation Report of headspace activity, conducted by the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales. The evaluation (a longitudinal mixed method project), reported that headspace has made significant progress towards improving outcomes for young Australians by changing the way that mental health services are delivered. The most significant achievement has been the successful establishment of 30 headspace Centres nationally. These centres have provided help to 16,000 young people seeking assistance in the areas of physical health, mental health, drug and alcohol support and vocational and employment guidance.

Over half of the 169 young people surveyed for the evaluation reported improved physical health after engaging with headspace services. 80% of young people reported an improvement in their ability to manage their emotions without resorting to substance use. 50% of young people reported improved engagement with school, TAFE/University or work as a result of the psychological support provided through headspace Centres.

headspace CEO Mr Chris Tanti is positive about the future of the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, "We have a new and dedicated Board, a committed Minister, and as headspace is now a registered not-for-profit with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status the public can contribute to our important work. Fundraising and corporate engagement will also be new priority areas for the organisation."

For further information or to download a media kit visit the media centre at www.headspace.org.au

Media Kit available at http://www.headspace.org.au/about/news-and-media/

ABOUT HEADSPACE

headspace provides health and mental health support, information and services to young people and their families across Australia.

headspace was launched in 2006 and initially funded as part of the Federal Budget commitment to the Youth Mental Health Initiative. headspace is currently funded by the Australian Government under the Promoting Better Mental Health Youth Mental Health Initiative.

headspace has 30 Centres that provide services to young people across Australia. They are located in every State and Territory and cover metropolitan, regional and rural locations. To find headspace centre locations see: http://www.headspace.org.au/home/headspace-sites/

headspace also has a website which provides information and support to young people, parents, carers and workers, www.headspace.org.au

The headspace initiative has both National and Local components:

National: The National work is driven through four core areas; raising awareness, provision of training and education, driving service sector reform and building knowledge in evidence based treatment.

Local: A headspace Centre is a youth friendly community-based provider of services to young people aged 12 25.

A headspace centre is:
* A place where young people (12-25) can receive help for a range of issues
* A confidential low cost or free service dependent on circumstances
* A locally-run initiative established by organisations that understand their local community
* A place where young people and families are encouraged to become involved

Contact:
* To contact headspace National Office call 03 9027 0100 or email [email protected]
* To contact your local headspace centre visit their webpage for further details http://www.headspace.org.au/home/headspace-sites/

For all media enquiries call Maree Sidey on 0417 385 208

SOURCE: National Youth Mental Health Foundation