In what has been a very challenging few years for all with mental health, some good news was announced today that the state government has committed $24 million towards funding Kids Helpline and Lifeline services, in Queensland.
Minister for Health and Mental Health Shannon Fentiman made the announcement at Kids Helpline’s Milton headquarters today.
Each service will receive $12 million, over the next four years, to continue providing critical support to Queenslanders experiencing mental health distress.
The funding has been allocated from the Palaszczuk Government’s Mental Health Levy.
The announcement comes as the Queensland Government releases an updated strategic plan to guide continued reform of Queensland’s mental health, alcohol and other drug, and suicide prevention systems.
Shifting minds: The Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan 2023–2028 is a whole-of-government, whole-of-community plan promoting mental health and wellbeing for all Queenslanders.
The plan focuses on improving mental health, preventing, and reducing problematic alcohol and other drug use, and preventing suicide.
“We know Kids Helpline and Lifeline provide critical care to children and adults experiencing mental distress, across Queensland and this funding will help each organisation meet increasing demand,” said Health and Mental Health Minister Shannon Fentiman.
“Last year, Kids Helpline responded to nearly 30,000 contacts for help from Queensland kids and more than 200,000 Queensland adults reached out to Lifeline.
“The release of Shifting minds 2023–2028 follows our record $1.645 billion investment towards mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention in the 2022–2023 State Budget.
“Shifting minds 2023–2028 reinforces existing priorities and features new actions to address strategic and emerging issues.
“This includes focusing on improving the mental wellbeing of young people—one of the groups most affected by COVID-19—as well as driving a shift to community-based care, prevention, and early intervention,” Minister Fentiman said.
Lifeline is a 24/7 service and requires those trained with the correct skills to be there ready when that phone rings.
“This funding injection will ensure that Lifeline can deliver support to people in distress through our 24/7 phone, text and webchat services as well as on the ground in the community,” said Lifeline Australia Chief Executive Officer Colin Seery.
“It will mean people from all backgrounds and circumstances across Queensland can continue to access the around-the-clock support they need in whatever way they find comfortable.”
