Graphic: headspace staff
headspace Cairns* is encouraging young people to slow down and take time to prioritise their mental health this headspace Day.
headspace Day is an annual national day of awareness about the mental health and wellbeing of young people, and the ways their family and friends can support them.
This year’s theme is ‘Pause. Reflect. Reconnect’, and headspace Cairns marked the occasion with a morning tea for headspace staff, the Youth Reference Group, Consortium members and the local community.
headspace Cairns Centre Manager Gabrielle Gill said headspace Day is an important date for all members of the community, but particularly young people and those with young people in their lives.
“It’s great to see young people in the Cairns community feeling positive – many are back at school, trying to engage in meaningful employment and spending time with friends,” Ms Gill said.
“headspace Day serves as an important reminder to take time out of our busy lives to pause, reflect and reconnect.
“I’d encourage young people to take some time away from study or work to make meaningful connections with family and friends, and with the things that bring them enjoyment.”
Young person Simon from the headspace Cairns Youth Reference Group said everyone is always welcome at the centre.
“headspace Cairns is a place that I can always come to knowing that I’ll be welcomed and appreciated regardless of my current emotional state,” Simon said.
“It’s extremely reassuring knowing that there’s such a well-established and safe space for myself and other youth in the Cairns community to access.
“headspace Day is an occasion to celebrate this space and its achievements, and it brings attention to the impact headspace has had on the local community, in the hope that others can hear about it and benefit from their various supports too.”
We encourage any young person, family, or friends in need of support to visit headspace Cairns. Support is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.
If you are looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available to talk 24/7.
*headspace Cairns is operated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section).
