On Monday October 9, Headspace Port Macquarie celebrated ‘Headspace Day’ a national day designed to educate people on what the organisation is all about, by hosting an open day at their office in Short Street.
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Independent Chair of Headspace Port Macquarie, Mort Sherer said that Headspace offered young people a non judgmental place to seek help.
“The whole idea of Headspace is, it is a place kids and young people know is safe place to come to because our motto is ‘we got your back’,” Mr Sherer said.
With one in four young people experiencing a mental health issue each year, Headspace wants to educate about the importance of taking care of mental health early, before anything gets more serious.
“We know that usually the biggest step for young people is initially coming through the door but by hosting an open day we are giving people the opportunity to come have a look and suss us out so if they ever do need help they know where we are,” he said.
Suicide is the leading cause of death of young people, accounting for one third of all deaths, and research shows that 75 per cent of mental health issues emerge before the age of 25; and that by treating these issues early and providing a holistic model of support, the risk of them developing into more serious problems is greatly decreased.
“Headspace can help young people with a variety of problems from bullying to identity and relationship problems to exam stress, and any mental, physical and drug and alcohol problems they may have.”
Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson said that Headspace deals with a number of issues close to her heart.
“This issues that Headspace deal with goes to my core, and to hear all the wonderful things they are doing is important to me,” Cr Pinson said.
“As part of growing up most young people will go through some pain, so to have a place where they can come and get help without fear of judgment is marvellous,” she said.
As well as helping young people in need, Headspace Port Macquarie also hosts monthly social inclusion activities for young people to come and enjoy themselves in a chilled relaxed setting.
Headspace program manager Lyn Stewart said these social inclusion activities are all about letting young people enjoy themselves.
“All our social inclusion activities are free and are a chance for young people to do something they perhaps usually wouldn’t, from guitar mentoring to paddle boarding, LGBTIQ social group, Arts for arts sake group and body space group there is something for everyone,” Ms Stewart said.