By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A HEADSPACE facility will be opened at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre as part of a push to reduce the impact of suicide on communities.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood addressed Parliament on 21 October to recognise the immense toll of suicide on Australians and to acknowledge that the government must do all it can to minimise the impact.
He said that organisations such as Headspace make a real difference in reducing rates of suicide.
“Headspace is a vital part of our youth mental health strategy.
“The help they provide for young people who can go through tough times is invaluable.”
Suicide is a leading cause of death in Australia for men under the age of 44 and women under the age of 34, and one in every 10,000 Australians take their own life.”
Mr Wood said it was important that young people in the area had access to mental health services.
“I am so pleased to say a Headspace facility will be located at the Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.
“We need to recognise when someone has a problem in our community and ask them to get help, or seek the help for them.”
Mr Wood also announced that he is lobbying for a Headspace facility to be opened at the Belgrave Health Hub.
He said this new push backs up the Hotspots program where safety barriers are installed along train tracks which have been identified as suicide locations.
“The government’s Hotspots program is an excellent example of the practical measures to reduce suicide hotspots through the implementation of capital works.”
Mr Wood encouraged those suffering from depression or anxiety to seek the help of organisations such as Beyondblue, Lifeline, the Black Dog Institute, SANE Australia and Headspace.
“We need to get people who suffer with depression and anxiety to seek help.
“Depression and anxiety can be managed to a certain extent.
“But to do so, we all need to recognise troublesome depression and anxiety when it presents itself.”
Anyone needing to seek help should not hesitate to contact Beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
