New headspace safe space open for young Canberrans

headspace is a safe space set up to support young people aged 12-to-25, their families, friends and carers.

The original ACT headspace can still be found in Braddon, while the new Tuggeranong service is designed to assist young people in crisis in the capital's south.

Mental illness often starts around mid-to-late adolescence and the Black Dog Institute says Australians between 18-to-24 years have the highest prevalence of mental illness than any other age group. The Institute worked with Mission Australia on it's annual Youth Survey to find that one in four young people are at risk of serious mental illness.

Young people are also less likely than any other age group to seek professional help. Beyond Blue says only 31 percent of young women and 13 per cent of young men with mental health problems seek any professional help.

headspace provides support for young people in four key areas: mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support.

This new headspace service in Tuggeranong is part of the Federal Government's $111.3 million May budget commitment to establish 30 new headspace services.

Liberal Senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja, encourages young Canberrans to reach out for the help they need.

"headspace is here to deliver quality frontline support and ensure the best possible care for people who are at risk," Senator Sesejla said.

Other headspace services can be found in Queanbeyan and Goulburn.

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