headspace

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. 

For many young people, mental health challenges and disengagement from work or study are often interconnected.       That’s why our headspace Work & Study service available at many headspace centres uses the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, which integrates vocational support with mental health services.      Recently, we explored the effectiveness of the headspace Work & Study program and found that in addition to achieving positive vocational outcomes (65% of participants attained a job or commenced study), that 4 out of 5 (81%) also achieved positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes.       This was a significantly higher proportion than the outcomes achieved for a matched group of young people who had only received standard clinical care (75%).      Our findings demonstrate the real impact of integrating an IPS program within a clinical setting.       Want to learn more? Read the full study here: https://bit.ly/49PUGb1

If you’re a young person aged 15-21 with an inspiring idea, check out Ardonagh Community Trust’s Bright Future Prize 2025 for the chance to win a share of £40,000 to invest into your big idea. This international prize aims to empower and invest in the next generation of leaders and innovators around the world who are committed to making a positive change. Last year, Chloe McCormack of Victoria, Australia won the Your Planet prize for her work delivering coding and climate change workshops to young people with the dream of delivering these in headspace centres. 

We’ve just released our 2023-24 Annual Report. The report showcases our nation-wide impact and how we implement innovative approaches to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people and their family. We’re proud of what we achieved this year: 💚 we provided 500,000 occasions of service to young people and family. 💚 90% of young people who accessed headspace said they’d recommend it. 💚 71% of young people had a better understanding of mental health after attending headspace. Check out the full report here: https://bit.ly/3D6zq4s

As 2024 draws to a close, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported headspace over the past year. No matter how you contributed, your generosity means we can continue supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people across Australia.

Want to start 2025 off in a new job that makes a difference? It's more important than ever to support the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians, and by working at headspace you can make a direct impact. With the year coming to an end, it's the perfect time to think about what comes next! Visit our website to see our open positions: https://bit.ly/4fUxaM8

Do you work with young people in areas prone to natural disasters? As Australia enters the extreme weather season, we understand that navigating or preparing for the impacts of natural disasters like bushfires or floods can be incredibly challenging. headspace is here to help. We offer a range of guides, fact sheets and workshops to help you support young people and their family as they navigate the days and weeks that follow. Learn more about our resources and programs for educators and local communities here: https://bit.ly/3Ayz6ul

headspace prioritises support, education and advocacy amid social media changes.   The government’s legislation to ban social media for young people under the age of 16 highlights a critical need to protect young people online—but regulation is just one piece of the puzzle. Social media plays a vital role in connection, expression, and accessing mental health support, especially for marginalised communities and those in rural areas. At headspace, we know building online safety requires support, education, and advocacy. In response to the ban, we’ve recently launched online resources to help young people and families navigate these changes. As a trusted source of support for young people and families, headspace remains committed to advocating for the inclusion of youth and family voices in the policy-making process while providing essential tools for mental health and wellbeing during this time. Read our position statement: https://lnkd.in/gjJ4Y7sM See our newly developed resources about the social media ban: For young people: https://lnkd.in/gXZJsZHX For family: https://lnkd.in/g6q_VY_D

Are you multicultural a young person aged 18-30? Check out this opportunity to facilitate workshops for young people and staff at headspace centres in Victoria and New South Wales.