Chris Whiting MP has lauded the funding boost for both Lifeline and Kids Helpline in Queensland and said it will help address the mental health care needs for many local residents.

Each service will receive $12 million over the next four years to continue providing critical support to Queenslanders experiencing mental health distress.

“Earlier this year I met with the outstanding staff of Yourtown who have a campus at Deception Bay,” said Chris Whiting MP.

“They operate Kids HelpLine and LifeLine and they talked to me about the need to increase funding for these services across the state.

“I am so glad to see that increased funding has flowed to them to keep offering these crucial mental health care services to Queenslanders.

“In 2022 Lifeline received over a million calls and 18% came from Queensland.

“Kids Helpline responded to nearly 30,000 calls from young Queenslanders.

“That’s why we’ve announced $24 million for both Lifeline and Kids Helpline.

“It allows them to continue the important work they do to provide quality mental health support,” said Chris Whiting MP.

This funding is part of the $1.64 billion committed to improving mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention service delivery in Queensland.