News

Applications are open for headspace Bathurst’s 2019 Youth Reference Group. Young people aged 12 to 25 years with an interest in local youth issues are encouraged to apply.

Karen Golland, Community and Youth Engagement Coordinator at the centre, is encouraging young people with a passion for mental health to apply for the Youth Reference Group – and use the opportunity to shape the headspace message and services in Bathurst.

“We want young people to share their insight into local youth issues, topics of interest and their experience of life in a regional town. It’s also a chance for young people to create projects and campaigns about issues they are passionate about. This year we’ve had two amazing projects created by Youth Reference Group members; one that challenges the stigma associated with mental health and the other that promotes body acceptance.”

Marathon Health and Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, are excited to announce that the headspace Lithgow satellite is close to fruition, with a site locked in at 23 Main Street.

Earlier this year, Wentworth Healthcare appointed Marathon Health to operate the satellite in response to concerns that there were limited youth centred services in the Lithgow area. The satellite will be part of the headspace Bathurst service, but feature locally based staff and a service location to support the needs of the Lithgow community.

Stephen Jackson, Marathon Health CEO, says it has been wonderful to see the community rally behind this much needed service.

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Marathon Health is eager to promote the many ways people can reach out for support; whether it be for themselves, a loved one or a colleague.

Bryan Hoolahan, Marathon Health’s Executive Manager of Clinical Governance, says with the recent findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing an increase in instances of suicide, now more than ever, we need to start conversations in our communities.

In celebration of headspace Day, headspace Canberra in consultation with their Youth Reference Group, are holding an afternoon event where young people can play board games, meet new people and just have fun.

“Playing board games can be a great way to switch off from your worries and throw yourself into a light-hearted challenge with mates. This is actually our third instalment of the games night and they’re always met with such positivity we thought headspace Day would be best celebrated with some healthy competition – and prizes!”

On Thursday, 11 October 2018 people across Australia will come together to celebrate headspace Day; a national day of support for the mental health and wellbeing of all young Australians.

This year’s theme is a derivation of the seven tips for a healthy headspace which promote ways for young people to look after their mental wellbeing, Darrin Yates, headspace Bathurst Centre Manager, says this event is a perfect example of how to take time for yourself.

“Gathering together with friends and meeting new people is a great way to look after your mental wellbeing. Coming together at a fun event like our headspace Day activity will be a chance to focus on things that make you happy.”

New research from headspace National suggests that 32% of young Australians are reporting high or very high levels of psychological distress – more than treble the rate in 2007.

To promote ways to look after ones wellbeing, the seven tips for a healthy headspace were created in consultation with young people across Australia as a way to simply show some tips to help manage mental wellbeing.

This headspace Day; headspace Orange are eager to organise an event to bring the community together, say thank you for the recognition of their services but also encourage people to take a moment to reflect on the simple ways they can boost their mental wellbeing.

Sharna Lord, headspace Orange Community Engagement Coordinator encourages community members and organisations to help them recognise this year’s theme; “add a little colour to your life” by joining them in painting a colourful mural on the side of the centre.

headspace Day is here and with one in four young people in Australia experiencing a mental health concern each year, headspace Dubbo is inviting the community to join them in embracing this important nation-wide event with their Live at the Laneway event.

Amy Mines, Youth and Community Engagement Coordinator, says this year’s headspace Day event promotes the seven tips for a healthy headspace; the tips for mental wellbeing created in consultation with young people across Australia.