headspace Redcliffe marks major milestone

headspace Redcliffe will celebrate 10 years of supporting young people with a community event on August 8.

The free mental health service for young people aged 12-25 years has helped 4990 youth since it opened in 2014.

headspace Community Development Officer Rikki Gross says a Cheers to 10 Years event will be held at the organisation’s recently renovated building at 457 Oxley Ave, Redcliffe, on August 8 from 2.30-5.30pm.

Anyone from the community is welcome to attend – all ages and all abilities.

The team will be giving away pizza, soft drink, fairy floss and donuts. They will also have activities in every room, run by clinicians and members of the Youth Reference Group, live music and stalls.

“It’s just to break down barriers, to know that we’re here,” Rikki says.

She says her team, including the Youth Reference Group, wanted to have a community celebration to mark the milestone.

It will also be a chance to share the organisation’s renovated space, which is now welcoming and warm, with the community.

headspace operations manager Nick Martin says: “The renovation was well overdue and we are grateful to the community and PHN (Primary Health Network) for supporting this project.

“Coupled with our amazing staff and services, we now have a space and the environment to continue supporting young people in the Redcliffe community.”

headspace Redcliffe offers early intervention support for youth dealing with mental health, work and study, sexual health and alcohol and other drugs challenges. It also has a GP and works closely with schools to help young people in need.

Vital input

Rikki says, at the organisation’s core, is the Youth Reference Group comprised of four youth who provide a much-valued perspective.

Bridie Ward and Caitlin Grant have been part of the group since the beginning of 2023.

They are mental health advocates in the community, who raise awareness of what headspace does.

“We meet up monthly. If we’re doing anything as a centre and an opinion is needed from the age group (12-25) to get an idea of what our opinion is on it … that’s our major role,” Bridie says.

“You’ll see us at all the public events. We were at (Moreton Bay) PrideFest last year, we had people at PrideFest this year, we were at (Redcliffe) KiteFest last year … putting glitter on kids’ faces and making sure that people were aware of what we are, where we are, what we do.”

Members of the group are also on interview panels, when the organisation is employing new staff, providing an assessment of how candidates connect with young people.

They also help run activities to engage young people.

For the past two years, they have been involved in youth mental health first aid training, so they have the necessary skills if a young person who comes to them and needs assistance.

“We learn how to approach that and point them in the right direction to get further help from a professional,” Bridie explains.

“It’s not a paid position. We’re here because we enjoy being here and we’re here for the cause. It’s rewarding.”

“I think what’s great is headspace, at its core, is just a place for all young people … it’s so welcoming, everyone can be themselves. It’s a safe place,” Caitlin adds.

The entire team provides an essential service, with demand for help rising as a result of COVID-19.

“We are early risk prevention of suicide for young people. That is the main cause of death for that age group, and it is scarily becoming more prevalent,” Rikki says.

“If we can try to get early intervention, we work really hard with our local schools – primary and secondary – especially with their guidance officers or wellbeing team and our referral pathways - it’s hugely vital to stop that cycle of suicide.”

To find out more, visit headspace.org.au or follow headspace Redcliffe on Facebook.