New centre to help troubled youth
IPSWICH'S young people will soon have better access to mental health care following an announcement by the Federal Government yesterday.
The first steps have been taken to construct a Headspace centre in the city, which will provide mental health care and related drug and alcohol services for the region's 53,000 young people.
Federal MP for Blair Shayne Neumann said the floods had exacerbated mental issues for Ipswich's large youth population.
"It takes strength to ask for help. These new Headspace sites will give young people the help they need to get back on their feet and fulfil their potential," Mr Neumann said.
He added there was no timeline set to open the service.
The centre will act as a drop-in centre where young people can speak to specialists face to face.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the project yesterday.
Mr Neumann said Ipswich was a logical location, given the impact of the January floods.
"It will quickly improve the access of local young people aged between 12 and 25 to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services."
An online counselling service also is now available.
For more information go to Headspace For online counselling, visit EHeadspace.
