$21 million to support young people with mental illness

The tender for twenty new Family Mental Health Support Services that will provide intensive support to vulnerable children and young people at risk of mental illness, as a result of over $21 million from the Gillard Government, is now open.

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler today called on community organisations across Australia to apply for funding to establish the services.

This funding will deliver much-needed services to more than 16,000 children and young people across the country who are experiencing or are at risk of mental illness.

The 20 new services will build upon 13 services that are already up and running as a result of the Government’s unprecedented $2.2 billion mental health reform package.

The Government understands that young people can find themselves under a great deal of pressure but we know that getting advice and support early is the best way to help children, young people and families cope.

The new services will focus on addressing social, behavioural and emotional issues that could lead to poor mental health outcomes through counselling, individual and family wellbeing plans, community outreach and referrals.

The support services offered by the New Family Mental Health Support Services are invaluable in helping families keep their kids secure and happy.

We know that providing this sort of early support is critical and can help lead to better outcomes later in life.

This funding is a key part of Labor’s record $2.2 billion mental health reforms being rolled out around the country.

To find out more about the application process and to apply visit: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/grants-funding/current-funding.