The Liberal National Government will invest $1.2 million to help improve youth mental health on the Mornington Peninsula.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, has announced that local youth organisation, YMCA Southern Peninsula Youth Services (YSPYS), will receive $400,000 per annum over the next three years to support Jimmy’s, a new purpose built facility in Rosebud, to help young people who may be disadvantaged or seeking help with their mental health.
Jimmy’s will provide drop in services, such as youth and teen mental health first aid courses and wellbeing workshops. Young people will also be able to access coaching, mentoring and support for those in more challenging personal situations, requiring strong intervention or prevention.
“It has been a dream of ours for six years now to get this facility set up for the benefit of our Peninsula teenagers,” Jimmy’s founder Sarah Darling said.
“When my own son, James, died six years ago, his sister, Missy, and I decided that we would like to fund a purpose built facility for the YSPYS in his honour.”
“On one hand, James’ life would be celebrated – on the other, Missy and I hoped that by doing this we might, in some way, help prevent similar tragedies happening to another family.”
“Greg has been encouraging all the way and this wonderful funding announcement ensures the YMCA can do their marvellous work within this facility when it opens later this year. Throughout this six year process, he has been by our side and for this we are eternally grateful.”
Minister Hunt said the funding would help establish a facility with the ability and potential to provide long lasting mental health services to the southern peninsula.
“We know that one in four young Australians will experience some form of mental health challenge each year,” Minister Hunt said.
“The strength of both Sarah and Missy to turn such a deeply personal family tragedy into an instrument of change in their community is to be commended and I am proud that our funding will allow the YSPYS to provide more services here on the Peninsula.”
“Sarah and the YSPYS have played leading role in helping improve the mental health of young people in Rosebud and the establishment of Jimmy’s will allow for greater outreach in the local community.”
“This is about showing all young Aussies local teens and young adults on the Peninsula that it is ok to talk about their mental health. Groups like the YSPYS’s are there to listen to your concerns and help you get on the right track to improved mental health.”
“Young people attending our programs are often living in difficult family circumstances,” YMCA Southern Peninsula Youth Services Manager Jeanette Horsley said. “Personal and observed trauma, family violence, generational unemployment, social isolation and family history of mental illness can place young people at higher risk of developing mental health problems themselves.
“By providing a safe nurturing environment, activities and initiatives to help build coping strategies and resilience, we aim to help young people reveal the very best of themselves and open pathways to opportunities that highlight their unique qualities and abilities.”
Improving mental health services is a key pillar of the Government’s long term national health reform plan and today’s announcement builds on the Government’s record levels of investment in mental health, including an additional $338 million announced in the 2018-19 Budget.