The scourge of youth suicide and mental illness has touched many in the Illawarra, especially in and around Kiama, and a number of organisations dealing with youth mental health have called for more designated services.
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The federal opposition says it will deliver a headspace service at Kiama if Labor wins the election which must be held by the end of next month.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips made the pledge last month during a trip to Kiama with the opposition spokeswoman for mental health Emma McBride.
"Bushfires, floods and the pandemic have really taken their toll on people's mental health, particularly our young people and acutely around Kiama," Mrs Phillips said.
"I have been fighting to secure this funding for years and the case for a full-service headspace in Kiama has never been clearer.
"Local services mean easier, earlier intervention, keeping our young people safer and healthier."
Ms McBride said it was important to expand mental health services in Kiama.
"That's why we will deliver a full-service headspace. We need to make sure we have the right resources in place so young Australians can get the care they need," she said.
"The mental health and well-being of young Australians is too important and they can't afford to wait any longer."
headspace provides early intervention mental health services to those aged 12 to 25 including centres, online and phone counselling services, vocational services, and a schools program.
There are currently headspace centres located in Wollongong and Nowra.
The Liberal State Member for Kiama Gareth Ward previously lobbied the federal government to fund a headspace in Kiama.
He wrote to Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt in March 2021 citing the recent spike in youth suicides in the Kiama electorate and started a petition.
"We have a responsibility to do everything we possibly can to provide the necessary access to services and support for vulnerable at-risk young people," he said at the time, adding "I am encouraging interested local residents to sign my petition which I will also be tabling in NSW Parliament."
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Merryn Porter
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
