More treatment options for young people and greater research into youth mental health will become a reality with construction commencing on a state-of-the-art facility and additional funding announced today.
Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today turned the sod at the site in Parkville with representatives from Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and the Orygen Youth Health program, which is operated by Melbourne Health and funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
On completion the facility will house clinical, research, policy, education and training services to improve mental health outcomes for young people in Victoria.
Orygen Youth Health provides comprehensive clinical services to young people aged 15–24 in the western and north-western areas of Melbourne.
The new facilities will greatly improve access to services such as acute community based care, psychological treatments, psychosocial programs and peer and family support for up to 5,000 young people each year.
With mental health the number one health issue facing young people, the building will also be home to research to find innovative future treatments and care for young people living with mental illness.
It will also house world class education and training programs for the youth mental health workforce, delivering a wholly integrated mental health care facility.
The Labor Government is providing $60 million towards the new facility at Parkville, and acknowledges the valued contributions of The Colonial Foundation, The University of Melbourne, the Ian Potter Foundation and the Australian Government towards the construction. The new facility is due to be completed in October 2018.
Mr Foley also announced the Labor Government will provide an additional $8 million in funding to support the mental health of young people across the state through a range of interventions including early intervention and clinical community services.
The Government is rebuilding Victoria’s mental health system with the Victorian Budget 2017/18 providing a record $325.7 million, supported by its 10-year mental health plan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“Orygen have led the way when it comes to the best research and supporting young people – this new facility will take their work to the next level.”
“It will not only provide more support to more young people, it will see once again Victoria leading the country when it comes to medical research.”
“We know one in five Victorians experience an episode of mental illness – that’s why we’re providing targeted support to help young people achieve their best mental health.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020