headspace a step closer

Published on 14 August 2019

What a Monash headspace would look like and what young people want in the facility was the topic for discussion when Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt visited Monash to meet with members of the Monash Young Person's Reference Group.

Member for Chisholm Gladys Liu and Monash Mayor Shane McCluskey, with Councillors Robert Davies, Josh Fergeus, Rebecca Paterson and Lynnette Saloumi also heard from young people about their views on the critical need for youth mental health support in Monash.

The young people spoke passionately and honestly about their experiences and those of friends. Following the discussion, Minister Hunt offered the opportunity for one of the Monash Young Person’s Reference Group to be on a new Federal Government taskforce on children’s health.

A commitment to fund a headspace service in Monash by the Federal Government follows a five year campaign led by the Monash Young Person’s Reference Group with support from Councillors and staff.

The campaign had included gathering more than 4,000 postcards signed by the community in support of a headspace and the #RaiseYourHand4MonashYouth campaign and video featuring young people speaking powerfully and courageously about their lives and the impact of mental health issues on their wellbeing.