The services too have increased. In 2016, support sessions for parents and carers of trans and gender diverse young people in Bendigo began, and are now integral to the mix, alongside direct support for LGBTIQA+ young people.
Those numbers are a testament to the dedication of our staff, says headspace Bendigo Manager Lindsay Rose.
“I am beyond proud of all the hard work our team puts in to help the community,” he says. “And we are so grateful to the community for supporting us also.”
Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) is the lead agency for headspace in Bendigo and it’s a partnership to be proud of, says BCHS Mental Health Operations Manager Cilla Boucher.
“BCHS and headspace both believe in wrap-around care for anyone who seeks our support, that’s what makes this such a strong and lasting partnership,” Cilla says.
“The health and wellbeing of young people is integral to our thriving community, and that alone will help ensure that headspace Bendigo celebrates many more birthdays to come.”
To mark its coming of (teen)age headspace Bendigo is holding an Open Day today, on national headspace Day, and everyone is invited. It’s a chance to show off recent renovations and, in keeping with the theme of headspace Day, to Pause. Reflect. Reconnect.
“It’s a funny irony that our service is entering its teen years,” Lindsay says. “Young people today juggle a lot, from emotional turmoil to wondering about the future to balancing online and offline demands. That mix of emotional, social and intellectual challenges can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to ask for help; we’re here for you.
“Holding our birthday Open Day on headspace day wasn’t an accident. We wanted to create the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with anyone who walks through our doors.
“This headspace Day we will also be taking our own advice; we will pause to celebrate the wonderful achievements and people who have been involved with headspace Bendigo over the last 13 years. We will be reflecting on our journey and reconnecting with the community by swapping stories and sharing memories.”
National headspace Day is an annual event dedicated to advocating for and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all young Australians. The aim of pausing, reflecting and reconnecting is to encourage self-care.
“It’s really important young people take time for themselves,” Lindsay says. “When you pause, reflect and reconnect you are taking positive steps to build your resilience and mental health.
“What’s happening in your life is important and taking the time for self-care will help you to navigate life’s challenges with more confidence.”
As for what’s important to headspace Bendigo and the future of the service, Lindsay says the team has a number of birthday wishes.
“We would love to have increased staffing levels; more group-based therapy options and more free/low cost support options for youth.”
headspace Bendigo services
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Youth ambassadors
- Diversity and parent support groups
- Work and study programs
- Youth law.
7 tips for a healthy headspace
- Get into life
- Learn skills for tough times
- Get enough sleep
- Create connections
- Eat well
- Stay active
- Cut back on alcohol and other drugs
