headspace: Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation--where young minds come first

Abstract

headspace, Australia's national youth mental health initiative, was created in 2006 in response to the recognition that the existing health system needed to be much more accessible and effective for young people with mental and substance use disorders. With funding of more than $54 million from the Australian Government, a carefully constructed and selected system of 30 "communities of youth services", or integrated service hubs and networks, across the nation is being established, supported by programs for community awareness, workforce training and evidence-based resource material. headspace aims to improve access, and service cohesion and quality, and ultimately health and social outcomes, for young people aged 12-25 years experiencing mental illness and related substance use problems. Within the Council of Australian Governments framework, this will require synergistic planning with, and co-investment on behalf of, state and territory governments, as well as the support and involvement of local communities and the wider Australian society.