Canberra's $49m health precinct opens as youth mental health demand keeps growing
Watson Health Precinct opens with youth and First Nations services, but operators are already at full capacity.
Canberra's new $49 million Watson Health Precinct aims to open by end of September. Ted Noffs Foundation will run a 15-bed drug and alcohol service and six transitional beds.
Marymead CatholicCare will operate its STEPS mental health program for 13 to 18-year-olds as an alternative to hospital. A new 24-bed rehabilitation service for First Nations men means they no longer have to leave the ACT.
Both Ted Noffs and Marymead are already at full capacity.
- $49 million
- Precinct cost
- 15 beds plus 6 transitional
- Ted Noffs residential beds
- 13 to 18-year-olds
- Marymead age range
- 24-bed rehabilitation
- First Nations beds
Why it mattersNew mental health and addiction services expand access for young Canberrans. But the services are already full, showing how much more is needed.
AustraliaYoung people in Canberra will have more local options for residential mental health and drug support, with a dedicated service for First Nations men.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 d ago
