Headspace Townsville snubbed for funding to cut wait list
A critical local service for young people experiencing mental health issues has been passed over in the latest round of grants designed to cut wait times and improve facilities.
Headspace Townsville, which provides mental health support for local teens and young adults aged between 12 and 25, have missed out on a critical funding injection to address staffing and space issues that are contributing to long wait lists.
In January 2022 the Coalition Government announced $44 million in funding for Primary Health Networks (PHNs) for Headspace services across the country under the Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said the Labor Government needed to explain why it had left Townsville in the lurch.
“Across the country we’ve seen wait times reported of up to 6 months for young people to see a mental health professional at Headspace, which of course is far too long,” Mr Thompson said.
“Our local PHN applied for this critical funding because it’s a situation we’re feeling here in Townsville, but found out last week they wouldn’t be getting the money.
“Caring for the mental health of young people in our community is so important, and early intervention is key to make sure things don’t escalate – but when you’re waiting weeks or months to see a psychologist that becomes very hard.”
Mr Thompson said the Labor Government needed to urgently release further funding to allow all Headspace services across the country to address their wait times.
“I know what it’s like not to be OK – and it was only by having the right supports around me after returning from Afghanistan that I was able to come out of the dark hole I’d found myself in,” he said.
“I want every person in Townsville – if they find themselves in a similar situation – to be able to access the help they need as soon as possible.
“That’s why we opened up the walk-in mental health clinic Head to Health in the City last year, and why we need to continue to support Headspace with the funding it needs.”
Grants of up to $1.8 million for wait time reduction activities and up to $940,000 for capital infrastructure improvements were available under the Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program.
Queensland services that were successful in receiving funding were Gladstone, Inala, Ipswich, Mackay, Maroochydore, Meadowbrook (including Beaudesert satellite), Nundah, Redcliffe, Strathpine, Toowoomba, Taringa and Woolloongabba.
ENDS