Headspace as an organisation offers young people aged 12-25 access to free mental health support, health advice and general information.  

Young people can access headspace for a variety of reasons, from fights with family or friends, past or current concerns about bullying, relationship break-ups, mental health issues (such as depression or anxiety), problems at school or work,  physical and sexual health concerns or issues with alcohol and drugs.

The other side of headspace is hosting a large number of social activities for young people in an inclusive space free from judgement.

In a revitalised program of social events, community engagement officer, Jules Jamieson, said she is very excited about what is to come.

“We are always trying to keep our programs fresh and so with advice from our youth advisory group we decided to start knitting and yoga classes,” Ms Jamieson said.

“We wanted to mix things up and add some new workshops and we are very happy to announce our knitting and yoga sessions.

“We are looking at making a fortnightly yoga class starting in August, and will have its pilot class during the holidays.

“We will also be having a passionate male knitting coach, who will be passing on the knitting expertise he gained from his grandmother.

“We have two fantastic volunteers who are going to run the workshops and it is great that they can offer their services so that we can provide free workshops to all young people in the community.”

She said that headspace is always trying to get diversity in their social programs.

“We have so many great things happening all the time but we really wanted to add some things that we haven’t done before and fingers crossed people love them,” she said.

“This is on top of all the regular activities we hold including F45 fitness classes, our LGBTI social group and all our regular school holiday activities.”

Jake Wadsworth said knitting is something that has helped him throughout his life and when he decided to give back to the community thought that knitting classes was a quirky but fun way to do it.

“I grew up in Port Macquarie and started knitting when I was in year 11 and 12 as a way to de-stress after study and since school I have kept with it as it has helped me stay calm throughout my life,” Mr Wadsworth said.

“I find it really useful if I just want to zone out but keep my hands busy doing something productive.

“It is also kind of fun to be challenging gender stereotypes doing something that is predominantly done by women.” 

Yoga teacher Tara Zimmer said yoga is a great way to focus the mind.

“I really enjoy yoga and I believe that stress, anxiety, depression and the general demands of modern life are issues that can be positively targeted through the practicing of yoga,” Ms Zimmer said.

“By offering headspace clients a free yoga service, I hope that I can provide participants with a tool that positively impacts their mental health, and allows them to grow with confidence, balance and strength into adulthood.”

Knitting and yoga will begin as school holiday activities, knitting on July 11, and yoga on July 9. To register call headspace Port Macquarie on 6588 7300.