Australia will spend an extra A$51.8 million ($37 million) on support to young people with mental health issues, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday.

 

The announcement comes a week ahead of a crucial by-election for Morrison’s ruling Liberal-National coalition, and the money will go to Headspace, a government youth group that runs 107 centres across Australia.

 

“I want to ensure we give hope to young people… who are struggling with mental health,” Morrison told reporters.

 

The funds add to A$95.7 million the centres already receive from the government each year. Most of the sum will go towards services and adding staff, with A$12.8 million earmarked for online counselling and treatment programs.

 

“Headspace isn’t just about getting counselling services,” Morrison said. “It’s everything from helping young people get a job to supporting their physical activity to improving their relationships. It is dealing with the whole person.”

 

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