headspace

The Ballina community celebrates their new headspace centre 🥳 Last week, headspace Ballina celebrated their recent commencement of services by hosting an opening party for over 80 members of their local community. We’d like to thank Aunty Julia Paden for performing the Welcome to Country, as well as Leon McCann, Chair of the headspace Lismore Young People’s Advisory Committee, and Simone Balzer, Senior Manager at headspace Ballina, for hosting the event. Young people Alice McBride and Mia French, members of headspace Lismore’s music studio group, delivered special performances on the day. The event reinforced headspace Ballina’s commitment to supporting youth mental health and the strength and resilience of the community. 

Our latest National Youth Mental Health Survey found that only half of young people feel assured about their future career success. The headspace Career Mentoring Program is seeking to change that, by providing young people with the mentorship they need to thrive. Last year, 95% of young people who accessed the program felt more confident about applying for jobs, while 94% felt more optimistic about their work future. If you currently work with young people, let them know about our career mentoring opportunities or learn more about the program here: https://bit.ly/3DnWLik

We’d like to introduce you to an absolute superstar named Ben.  After losing a close family member to suicide, Ben gained personal insight into the importance of mental health support and early identification of mental health issues. He’s setting off on a mission to raise awareness for mental health and important funds for headspace centres in Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura.  From 3 March, Ben is aiming to run from Mildura to Echuca in 4 days, 4 hours and 44 minutes. That’s 380kms – the equivalent of nine marathons.  So far, he’s raised an incredible $174,000 of his $200,000 goal. Thank you, Ben, for your inspirational effort and commitment to supporting the mental health of young people. You can follow Ben’s journey via his Instagram page: https://bit.ly/40OOwF4 or donate to his fundraiser here: https://bit.ly/3WvUzvF

We love seeing all the different ways communities across Australia raise funds for headspace! The generous support of our fundraisers makes a real impact in the lives of so many young people. Are you thinking about raising money or starting a fundraiser for youth mental health in 2025? Here are some fun and creative ways to raise money for headspace: 1️⃣ Hold your very own DIY art exhibition  2️⃣ Create a “headspace round” at your local sports club  3️⃣ Sign up for a fun run with your mates  4️⃣Sign up for next this year’s Larapinta Trek (details here: https://bit.ly/4gJPmIn) Learn more about fundraising for headspace here: https://bit.ly/41JqJY6

Ready for a career change in 2025? If you're looking for something new to start your year, it might be time to join us on our journey in improving youth mental health across Australia. Interested? Visit our website for current opportunities: https://bit.ly/3VI3IBe

We know that young people often turn to their peers first for support and guidance with their mental health. With the social media ban on the horizon in Australia, it's vital that young people can access safe, online spaces to connect with others about what they're going through. At headspace, our Online Communities provide opportunities for young people to connect with peers across group chats covering a variety of topics, with 249 group chat sessions held last financial year. We also provide an Adults Supporting Young People group chat for family, educators, coaches and other carers to share their experiences and strategies on supporting a young person’s mental health. Check out our recent impact report on headspace Online Communities: https://bit.ly/49KKP6e

The Push-Up Challenge is back for 2025 and we’re so grateful to be a beneficiary again this year. This year’s goal is 3,214 push-ups between 4 and 26 June, representing the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2024. Let’s work together to bring that number down. By taking on the challenge and choosing headspace as your charity, you’ll be strengthening our vital mental health services for young people and the family who support them. To learn more or register your interest, visit: https://bit.ly/49ey030

eheadspace provides free access to mental health services online and via the phone, 7 days a week – so that young people and family can get support no matter where they are in Australia. We're extremely proud of what eheadspace achieved in the last financial year, providing support to thousands of people across the country. 71% of young people and family reported that eheadspace gave them the knowledge and skills to cope better with their challenges. Learn more about our impact in FY24 here: https://bit.ly/3ZQzI7w

We welcome the release of the Advice on the Draft National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Finalising the strategy will be a significant step towards an Australia-wide approach to suicide prevention and the factors that contribute to suicide.   Recently, we joined with yourtown to respond to the draft strategy and assess how well it articulates what is required for long-term change in suicide prevention. To read the full submission, visit: https://bit.ly/4iITIkU

We were proud to attend and sponsor the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Conference last week. The event celebrated and recognised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce and its vital role in supporting culturally responsive, holistic health and wellbeing. Representatives from our First Nations Wellbeing & Engagement and headspace Early Career Program teams had the opportunity to yarn with conference attendees, share information about allied health employment opportunities at headspace, including First Nations career pathways, and discuss the service offerings we have for First Nations young people. We were also pleased to sponsor and present a professional development scholarship to IAHA member Wesley.  The scholarship assisted Wesley in attending the 2024 Ultimate Student Leadership Challenge, where they enhanced their knowledge, skills and expertise as they progress their career in health. Are you from a First Nations background and pursuing a career in allied health? Find out information on the headspace Graduate Program, which includes a First Nations stream: https://bit.ly/41H2XvP Or, if you’re from a First Nations organisation and want to discuss a potential partnership opportunity with headspace, reach out to the team at culturalpractice@headspace.org.au.