New First Nations headspace to open

Young people in Moreton Bay will have access to a new Australia-first mental health service, focused on supporting local First Nations people.

Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay is being set up to provide culturally safe support, care and connection for First Nations teens and young adults.

It will be on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people at 665 Deception Bay Rd, operated by the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH).

The service is set to open in the 2025-26 financial year as the first headspace service in Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay will have a "strong community focus, understanding the impact of mental ill-health and suicide on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people", which is more than double that of the broader community.

Mental health - our way

The new service will aim to improve mental health literacy, increase help-seeking behaviours and offer support to reduce suicidal and psychological distress in First Nations young people through mental health support on Country.

Staff will include care co-ordinators with lived experience, specialist mental health clinicians, and health practitioners

“Our Staying Deadly services support mental health – our way,” IUIH CEO Wayne Ah Boo said.

“We walk alongside our people and provide holistic support and specialised health and wellbeing services based on their goals.

“Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay will be a safe and supportive place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.”

Brisbane North PHN CEO Libby Dunstan said it is “an important additional to mental health and wellbeing services in Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region”.

Always support

Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy added: “Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need to know there is always support available.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride said the Federal Government is growing headspace to 174 services, with 91 in regional communities.

“From the bush to the city, we want young people to have access to mental health support and care, close to home,” the Assistant Minister said.

In January headspace Bribie Island opened at 201 First Ave, Bongaree - the fourth in Moreton Bay region, joining Caboolture, Redcliffe and Strathpine.

headspace provides support in mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study, and alcohol and drugs for those aged 12-25, experiencing or at risk of - mild to moderate mental ill-health. 

For those who prefer online support, eheadspace is available by calling 1800 650 890 or visiting www.headspace.org.au.