The Federal Government has announced the tender for 20 new Family Mental Health Support Services that will provide services to vulnerable children and young people at risk of mental illness is now open.

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler today called on community organisations across Australia to apply for funding to establish the services.

This funding will deliver much-needed services to more than 16,000 children and young people across the country who are experiencing or are at risk of mental illness.

The 20 new services will build upon 13 services that are already up and running as a result of the Government’s unprecedented $2.2 billion mental health reform package.

The Government understands that young people can find themselves under a great deal of pressure but we know that getting advice and support early is the best way to help children, young people and families cope.

The new services will focus on addressing social, behavioural and emotional issues that could lead to poor mental health outcomes through counselling, individual and family wellbeing plans, community outreach and referrals.