Up to $1,200,000 to support mental health services available to young Australians by reducing wait times, enhancing cultural capability, and improving infrastructure at headspace centres.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program?
The Youth Mental Health: Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program is a targeted grant opportunity offered by the Department of Health and Aged Care. It aims to improve the mental health services available to young Australians, aged 12-25, by reducing wait times, enhancing cultural capability, and improving infrastructure at headspace centres.
With a focus on integration and accessibility, this program supports the Australian Government’s broader mental health reforms and seeks to provide efficient and effective mental health services nationwide.
There are three funding streams available under this grant opportunity:
- Stream 1 – Wait Time Reduction: to address demand and wait list management at headspace services identified as highest need.
- Stream 2 – Building Cultural Capability: to build the cultural capability of headspace services. Building cultural capability will help to improve access and provide better support for young people from priority groups including but not limited to those from First Nations, LGBTIQA+ and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.
- Stream 3 – Capital Enhancement and Infrastructure: to enhance the quality of service, improve access to services and support headspace services by appropriately accommodating current and future staffing needs at headspace sites identified as highest need.
Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program level of support
The total funding available for this program is AUD $33.2 million, divided across three funding streams:
- Stream 1: Wait Time Reduction – Up to $1,200,000 per headspace service, with no minimum funding amount. Activities under this stream can last up to three financial years and must be completed by 31 December 2027.
- Stream 2: Building Cultural Capability – Up to $650,000 per headspace service, with no minimum funding amount. Activities under this stream can last up to three financial years and must be completed by 31 December 2027.
- Stream 3: Capital Enhancement and Infrastructure – Up to $1,200,000 per headspace service, with no minimum funding amount. Activities can last up to two years unless otherwise specified.
There is no co-contribution required for any of the funding streams under this program.
Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program objectives
The objectives of the Youth Mental Health: headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program are to:
- Promote the mental health and well-being of young people and prevent the development of mental health issues.
- Reduce the impact of mental health problems and associated stigma on individuals, families, and the community.
- Improve access to high-quality youth-friendly services.
- Increase cultural capability to better serve priority populations, including First Nations, LGBTIQA+, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program support
The program has three funding streams, each supporting different types of activities:
- Stream 1: Wait Time Reduction – Eligible activities include workforce expansion, process improvement, appointment scheduling improvements, and model-of-care enhancements such as peer support.
- Stream 2: Building Cultural Capability – This stream supports activities that improve cultural capability, such as training opportunities for clinicians, building cultural governance, and introducing identified positions for lived experiences from priority populations.
- Stream 3: Capital Enhancement and Infrastructure – Funding can be used for renovations, repairs, upgrades, relocation of existing headspace premises, and the purchase of equipment or furniture to improve the quality, capacity, and accessibility of services.
Ineligible Expenditure
Grant funding cannot be used for the following:
- Establishment of new headspace services or satellite centres.
- Purchase of land or buildings.
- Construction of new buildings or substantial extensions to existing premises.
- Rental costs, general administrative expenses, overseas travel, or activities funded by other government bodies.
Other Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program support
Only Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are eligible to apply for this grant. PHNs have the established infrastructure, relationships, and knowledge to deliver mental health services in their respective regions. Eligible PHNs are listed in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program assessment criteria
The assessment process for this grant is competitive, and applications will be evaluated against two primary criteria:
- Demonstrated Need (40%): Applicants must clearly outline the identified need for the proposed activities, including details such as current wait times and the specific gaps or deficiencies in services. They must also demonstrate community support and outline any prior funding achievements.
- Project Design and Delivery (60%): Applicants should provide a detailed description of the proposed activities, how they will address identified needs, and the anticipated impact on service delivery. Applications must include a high-level timeline, an indicative budget, and details of any consultations with young people or other relevant stakeholders.
Priority may be given to services with significantly high wait times, those in regions affected by natural disasters or critical incidents, and services with high populations of young people from priority groups.
How do I get the Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program application
Applicants should prepare the following documentation for submission:
- High-Level Timeline: Outline of key milestones for the proposed activities.
- Indicative Budget: A detailed breakdown of costs for each activity.
- Quotes for Works: Where applicable, include quotes for proposed renovations or relocations.
- Letters of Support: From landlords or relevant stakeholders for renovation or relocation projects.
See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.
Applying for the Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program
To apply for the Youth Mental Health: headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program, you must complete the manual application form available on GrantConnect.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program resources
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