The budget funding responds to growing mental health pressures on young people.
06 June 2025
In brief:
- The 2025–26 ACT Budget includes continued funding for five community-based youth mental health programs.
- These programs are available to young people in a variety of ways.
- The ACT Government is committed to supporting young Canberrans and their families.
The ACT Government will continue to provide funding to support youth mental health.
Funding in the 2025–26 ACT Budget will help strengthen community-based mental health programs for children and young people.
Programs with proven impact
There will be continued funding for five successful, community-driven programs.
The programs ensure young Canberrans can get the right support at the right time. They are delivered:
- in schools
- in the community
- online.
MindMap
MindMap is a digital mental health navigation tool. It connects young people and families to real-time support from clinical staff and peer workers.
Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM)
YAM is an early intervention and suicide prevention program. It is delivered to students in ACT high schools.
WOKE
WOKE is a free Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) group program. It is for young people experiencing emotional distress.
Stepping Stones
The Stepping Stones program supports children exposed to family violence and trauma. It is also available to caregivers.
ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Alliance (Youth Alliance)
The Alliance is a collaboration of community services. Its focus is improving mental health outcomes for children and young people.
Each program has been developed through strong partnerships across:
- government
- the health sector
- the community.
The funding recognises the programs’ impact. It also acknowledges the vital role of all community mental health care providers.
Helping children and young people to thrive
Young people are facing growing mental health pressures. The funding acknowledges increased demand for health care that is:
- accessible
- timely
- effective.
Successful community-based programs help people thrive. They can also reduce pressure on the hospital system.
An ongoing commitment
The Budget investment reflects the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting young Canberrans and their families.
The commitment to early intervention, prevention and better access reflects broader strategies across youth mental health and wellbeing.
It also supports the long-term goal of building a more connected and compassionate mental health system.
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