AFTER years of lobbying, Swan Hill is set to receive a much-needed boost in youth mental health support services with a Headspace set to establish in the region in the next 18 months.
It was one of 15 new centres announced on Wednesday in the latest funding round, taking the nationwide total to 100.
A previous announcement in mid-2013 saw Swan Hill miss out on a Headspace in favour of the larger regional centres of Mildura and Albury-Wodonga.
Swan Hill representatives have advocated for the centre for years, after identifying a need to better meet the mental health requirements of local youths.
During 2008-09, the hospitalisation rate for intentional self harm was 4.2 per 1000 adolescents in the Swan Hill municipality — more than triple the statewide rate of 0.6 per 1000 adolescents.
Meanwhile, across the Loddon Mallee Region nearly 60 per cent of young people reported positive psychological development.
Member for Mallee Andrew Broad said the centres provide nationally coordinated support services to youth with mental health, drug or alcohol problems.
“I think there is certainly a role for supporting young people on the journey through life,” Mr Broad said.
Anyone seeking assistance can call Lifeline 24 hours a day on 131 114 or see their general practitioner.
For more on this story see Friday’s edition of the Guardian (October 10).
