Katherine’s first federally funded youth mental health service is expected to open in July.
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Headspace provides 12-25-year-olds with early intervention mental health services.
The national organisation helps youth with physical, sexual and mental health and offers drug and alcohol expertise.
NT Senator Nigel Scullion announced $830,000 funding for headspace in July last year, but assured funding would be ongoing.
Exactly how the service will be provided and accessed, and how it might integrate with existing services in Katherine remains in question.
There is no information about where the service will be located nor whether a new building will be constructed or an existing building leased.
Headspace centres are scattered around Australia and are set up so young people can access the type of health worker they need.
“This could be a GP, psychologist, social worker, alcohol and drug worker, counsellor, vocational worker or youth worker. A number of centres also have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, welfare workers and family therapists,” a headspace spokesman said.
The Northern Territory Primary Health Network is leading the tender process.
Next month, they will announce which local agency will take the lead on delivering the service.
“NT PHN are currently working with headspace and local stakeholders, services and mental health professionals to understand and appropriately respond to the long-term mental health needs of the Katherine region,” an NT PHN spokeswoman said.
“Additionally, NT PHN is hosting a community consultation for community residents in the Katherine region on Monday January 22 at O’Keefe House, Katherine Hospital at 5-6:30pm to discuss the opportunity to fund after hours health services.”
Katherine is one of 10 new headspace sites announced for regional Australia and is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN Program.
For more information on headspace head here.
If you are feeling emotionally distressed you can call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline at 1800 551 8000.
