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headspace: a force for good for young people in Ipswich

April 30, 2024

In April, Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN was joined by Assistant Minister for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and the Hon. Shayne Neumann MP in a visit to headspace Ipswich.

PHN staff heard first-hand from the team and members of the youth reference group about the important work they’re doing in the community in supporting young people with their mental health, and providing safe spaces for young LGBTQIA+ and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

PHNs commission primary mental health care services for children and young people with, or at risk of, mental illness being managed in primary care, including delivery of headspace centres nationally.

In 2020, 19% of young people aged 15–24 years in the region were diagnosed with a mental health concern by their primary healthcare provider (DDWMPHN 2021a).

For those diagnosed with a mental health concern, anxiety (64%), depression (48%) and bipolar disorder (2%) were the most prevalent mental health conditions diagnosed in the region (DDWMPHN 2021a).

headspace Ipswich provides counselling and support to young people from 12-25 years. The service covers issues such as relationships, drug and alcohol, mental health, bullying, anxiety, depression, bad thoughts, and uncertainty about future plans.

Because of high rates of anxiety and depression, and deaths from suicide, appropriate support and care is a high priority for the region.

Early intervention and support services like headspace are crucial in preventing mental health concerns.

Youth is a key transition period in a person’s life, and also the period when mental illness is most likely to emerge (Kessler et al. 2005).

To learn more about the crucial services headspace is providing in Ipswich, head to headspace Ipswich | Youth Mental Health Centre & Services.

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