Australia’s leading online youth mental health service provider ReachOut Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s recognition of the value of digital solutions for mental health in the reform plan released this morning by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Health Sussan Ley.
Acting CEO of ReachOut Australia, Deepika Ratnaike, said ‘Mental health is one of the biggest issues facing young people in Australia today and our current system is not up to the job of helping them when and where they need it.
‘We need to change the system if we’re to catch up with unmet demand for services while keeping pace with future growth. This announcement provides a sustainable foundation for building a stronger, more effective and more efficient mental health system.’
The Government’s announcement outlines an undertaking to harness digital innovations that provide the easiest possible access to people who may be seeking help.
‘The government has said that our mental health system is under strain, and we welcome the recognition that digital service delivery can help the people who need it while increasing efficiency by building services for more people at a lower cost,’ Ms Ratnaike said.
‘Digital services can extend Australia’s mental health system to every corner of the country, dramatically expanding the number of people who can access peer support, information and tools to help them build better mental health.’
‘Based on our 17 years of experience in helping young people during tough times, we know the value of digital services in helping young people connect with additional help for mental health.’
‘Digital services are a great source of self-help because they are accessible around the clock and can provide a valuable source of referral to further services.’
Digital tools like the ReachOut Breathe app dramatically increase the number of people who can access proven psychological interventions, providing better care to greater numbers of people.The ReachOut Breathe app makes an evidence-based psychological intervention available to young people to use anytime to help them manage physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.
ReachOut is committed to sharing more than 17 years’ experience and expertise to drive the development of new digital tools to help reach more Australians with better mental health care.
‘We look forward to bringing our experience and expertise in digital technology delivery to partnerships with government and communities to rapidly build robust digital solutions for early intervention, reducing suicide and making self-help tools available to build resilience and better mental health outcomes,’ Ms Ratnaike said.
‘The Prime Minister and Minister Ley are clearly committed to fixing a system under great strain and we look forward to working in partnership with the government and sector to ensure that these services are delivered quickly and reliably to young people who need help.’
For interviews please call Ashley de Silva, ReachOut Director of Marketing & Communications on 0421 637 000.
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people, providing practical support to help them get through everything from everyday issues to tough times.
Since 1998, ReachOut has worked alongside young people to deliver online tools that address youth mental health and reduce youth suicide. Available anytime and anywhere, ReachOut.com was visited by 3.91 million people in 2014–15, including 1.31 million Australians.
Acting CEO of ReachOut Australia, Deepika Ratnaike, said ‘Mental health is one of the biggest issues facing young people in Australia today and our current system is not up to the job of helping them when and where they need it.
‘We need to change the system if we’re to catch up with unmet demand for services while keeping pace with future growth. This announcement provides a sustainable foundation for building a stronger, more effective and more efficient mental health system.’
The Government’s announcement outlines an undertaking to harness digital innovations that provide the easiest possible access to people who may be seeking help.
‘The government has said that our mental health system is under strain, and we welcome the recognition that digital service delivery can help the people who need it while increasing efficiency by building services for more people at a lower cost,’ Ms Ratnaike said.
‘Digital services can extend Australia’s mental health system to every corner of the country, dramatically expanding the number of people who can access peer support, information and tools to help them build better mental health.’
‘Based on our 17 years of experience in helping young people during tough times, we know the value of digital services in helping young people connect with additional help for mental health.’
‘Digital services are a great source of self-help because they are accessible around the clock and can provide a valuable source of referral to further services.’
Digital tools like the ReachOut Breathe app dramatically increase the number of people who can access proven psychological interventions, providing better care to greater numbers of people.The ReachOut Breathe app makes an evidence-based psychological intervention available to young people to use anytime to help them manage physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.
ReachOut is committed to sharing more than 17 years’ experience and expertise to drive the development of new digital tools to help reach more Australians with better mental health care.
‘We look forward to bringing our experience and expertise in digital technology delivery to partnerships with government and communities to rapidly build robust digital solutions for early intervention, reducing suicide and making self-help tools available to build resilience and better mental health outcomes,’ Ms Ratnaike said.
‘The Prime Minister and Minister Ley are clearly committed to fixing a system under great strain and we look forward to working in partnership with the government and sector to ensure that these services are delivered quickly and reliably to young people who need help.’
Related links
- A new blueprint for mental health services, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Health Sussan Ley, 26 November 2015
- Australian Government Response to Contributing Lives, Thriving Communities – Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services, gov.au
- Dial one phone number for mental health HELP, Minister for Health Sussan Ley, 26 November 2015
- Mental health moves towards individualised care packages, Minister for Health Sussan Ley, 26 November 2015
- Mental health reform starts today, Mental Health Australia, 26 November 2015
- Fed Govt announces major reform to national mental health system: Sussan Ley, Radio National Breakfast with Fran Kelly, 26 November 2015
- Mental health overhaul: Central hotline, online services to launch under new approach, ABC News Online, 26 November 2015
- National Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services, National Mental Health Commission, 30 November 2014
Media enquiries
For interviews please call Ashley de Silva, ReachOut Director of Marketing & Communications on 0421 637 000.
About ReachOut Australia
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people, providing practical support to help them get through everything from everyday issues to tough times.
Since 1998, ReachOut has worked alongside young people to deliver online tools that address youth mental health and reduce youth suicide. Available anytime and anywhere, ReachOut.com was visited by 3.91 million people in 2014–15, including 1.31 million Australians.
