General News
9 May, 2022
Headspace Cairns Celebrates 10 Years Of Service
MORE than 7,200 young people in Cairns have been supported to achieve better mental health outcomes due to the vital work of headspace Cairns, which celebrated its 10th anniversary on April 27.
Headspace Cairns is a free and welcoming safe space for young people aged between 12 and 25, providing access, support and information for mental health, physical/sexual health, drug and alcohol, employment and education and support for families and carers.
Headspace Cairns manager Gabrielle Gill said the organisation had delivered more than 50,600 services to 7,200 young people in Cairns since its launch in April 2012.
“It’s been a remarkable journey for our organisation locally, with our team growing from nine staff when we started a decade ago to a team of 26 today,” Ms Gill said.
“During that time, we have become one of busiest centres out of 149 headspace centres across Australia, a testament to the hard work and passion all our staff share for improving the lives of young people in Cairns.”
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said he was proud to have supported the organisation since its launch a decade ago.
“It’s been incredible to support headspace Cairns from its formative years right through to today when the organisation continues to experience ever-increasing demand for its services,” Mr Entsch said.
“I’ve worked hard to lobby on their behalf in Canberra because improving access to high-quality, youth-friendly mental health support is more important than ever.”
“I congratulate the local team on their life-saving work and wish them well for another 10 years ahead.”
A young person who has used headspace services and is a current volunteer with the headspace Cairns Youth Reference Group, Dion, said headspace Cairns provided support when he needed it most.
“I would absolutely recommend headspace to any young person who is feeling a bit lost and needs support in navigating life’s difficulties,” Dion said.
“Being able to return years later as a volunteer has helped me build my confidence and communication skills, and seeing young people thrive has meant a lot to me.”
“You can feel the passion and genuine care that everyone has, to help make real changes in young people’s lives.”
Janet, the parent of a teen who has used headspace Cairns services in the past, said her family’s experience with the organisation was extremely positive.
“My daughter has been seeing a clinical psychologist at headspace for almost three years, but I still remember the first time I brought her to an appointment,” Janet said.
“The staff at the desk were friendly, kind and generous; the posters and all the art on the walls done by the clients reinforced the sense of welcome and inclusion that I felt.
“As a mother, I was instantly reassured that my daughter would be looked after here.
“It was her headspace psychologist who suggested the assessment that resulted in her current diagnosis.
“Their relationship has helped keep her safe over the years.
“The way the team has supported us and advocated for us has made a major difference in our lives, and my daughter and I have both really benefitted from our connection with headspace.”
Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan congratulated the headspace Cairns team on their 10th anniversary
