Minister Barr: Building a stronger mental health system for Canberrans
- Written by ACT Government
Released 15/06/2023 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of Canberrans.
We are investing in services, outreach programs, preventive mental healthcare and cutting-edge facilities to strengthen the mental healthcare options available in our hospitals, community health centres and in the community.
$28 million in additional funding will be invested over the next four years to support a number of programs targeted at eating disorders, early intervention, and child and youth mental health. These include:
- $17.3 million over four years to support the operation of the ACT’s first Residential Eating Disorders Centre.
- $4.3 million over four years for community based residential accommodation for people with mental health needs.
- $2 million to continue and establish a range of complementary mental health services for children and young people.
- $2.3 million over four years to open a second Safe Haven facility at the Canberra Hospital, following the project’s success in Belconnen.
- Extension of the second Police, Ambulance and Clinician Early Response (PACER) team for a further 9 months.
- Funding of $204,000 for WOKE and $445,208 for Stepping Stones in 2023/24 to support youth mental health services
When people are supported in their mental health and wellbeing, the entire community benefits.
It is important to seek help early when it comes to your mental health and wellbeing, and the ACT Government wants to ensure Canberrans can continue to access appropriate support from health services and community partners when and where they need it.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
“The ACT Government is committed to providing exceptional mental health care to Canberrans and this Budget provides strong continued investment to ensure this continues to be the case.
“By investing in a number of key mental health services in our hospitals, health centres and in the community, we are ensuring Canberrans can access care when and where they need it.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health, Emma Davidson:
“Through this funding, we are delivering a resilient, sustainable, and person-centered mental health system in partnership with our healthcare workers and Canberra’s trusted community organisations.
“Particular focus has been given in this Budget to funding the operation of the ACT’s first Residential Treatment Centre for Eating Disorders. This will provide Canberrans with access to a service that is appropriate for their stage in recovery and enable them to live well in their community.”
“Securing a second Save Haven facility at the Canberra Hospital will provide a much needed, non-clinical space for people in distress, filling a local service gap for people in Canberra’s South.
“Youth mental health services WOKE and Stepping Stones will receive funding from the ACT budget, as these previously commonwealth funded pilot programs have proved vital for young Canberran’s and the ACT Government will not let them down.
“The ACT Government is committed to providing an accessible mental health and wellbeing system, where people experiencing mental ill health and their families will be able to get the care they need, in an appropriate setting, reducing mental health hospital stays and increasing early outreach for mental health challenges.
“Accessing early mental health support can help people before they reach a crisis point and allows them to continue to stay engaged and connected with their community.”
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Emma Davidson, MLA | Media Releases
