Over 80 people gathered for the headspace Ballina opening 21 January, a resounding success as youth representatives, dignitaries, stakeholders came together to celebrate the launch of the new service at 32 Swift Street. Attendees were enthusiastic about the new space, describing it as welcoming, vibrant, and much needed for Ballina’s young people.
Over 80 people gathered for the 21 January opening for headspace Ballina, a resounding success as youth representatives, dignitaries, stakeholders came together to celebrate the launch of the new service at 32 Swift Street.
headspace Ballina opening attendees were enthusiastic about the new space, describing it as welcoming, vibrant, and much needed for Ballina’s young people. The event reinforced the shared commitment to supporting youth mental health and celebrated the strength and resilience of the Ballina community.
Social Futures builds on its long history of youth advocacy in the region
Northern Rivers-based not-for-profit organisation Social Futures was selected to operate the new headspace service which provides a safe, welcoming space where young people can access free or low-cost, youth-friendly supports including mental health, alcohol and other drug services and vocational and educational services.
Social Futures has long history of advocacy in the region, close working partnerships and collaboration within the public health system network, helping to join the dots in fostering mental health for young people.
Cassie Primmer, Chief Operating Officer at Social Futures, said “Social Futures is excited to announce the expansion of our headspace service in Ballina, building on existing services previously offered through outreach from our parent headspace centre in Lismore. Services will include a stronger focus on providing culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
“Young people face challenges on many fronts, from the demands of study or work and cost of living pre ssures to self-identity, loneliness, coping with change, and global warming. It’s vital to acknowledge these impacts and recognise that life isn’t always easy.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone into this fantastic new space and providing the best experience possible,” said Ms Primmer.
Guests were welcomed by Simone Balzer, headspace‘s Senior Manager and Leon McCann, co-Chair of the headspace Young People’s Advisory Committee across Lismore and Ballina.
“Since we opened on the 9th of December, fifty young people have received support and on Thursday last week, we celebrated 100 occasions of service.
“The expansion has increased our capacity to serve Ballina’s 12 to 25 year olds, with six additional staff and a dedicated space where we can provide vital mental health, vocational, and wellbeing services,” said Ms Balzer.
Young performers Alice McBride and Mia French from headspace Lismore’s music studio group captivated the audience with their musical talents, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere.
Leon McCann did an exceptional job as joint MC reflecting the voice of youth in the region.
“I really do think it will help out Ballina’s young people, just to help focus on their mental health and try and sort through issues.
“Since headspace is free, just give it a go. You know, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to keep doing it, but just give it ago,” said Mr McCann.
Dignitaries address reducing the burden of mental ill-health in our community
Hon Emma McBride, Federal Member for Dobell, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health spoke to headspace as a trusted national service, and Social Futures as a dependable service provider in our region.
Hon Justine Elliot, Federal Member for Richmond, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for Prevention of Family Violence. Within her portfolio they are always working to understand what more can be done to support young people, noting the importance of the headspace service is reflected in the number of young people already using the service.
Minister Elliot said “Establishing a permanent headspace in Ballina will reduce the burden of mental ill-health in our community and help our young people to thrive.
“This is the second headspace for Richmond after headspace Tweed Heads. Both headspaces are examples of the Australian Government supporting the health and wellbeing of regional Australians.
“I would like to recognise headspace Lismore for the crucial outreach services they have provided over the past few years to support young people in Ballina following the floods.”
Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast PHN spoke about the commendable efforts of headspace nationally in creating a consistent experience for young people, and of regional collaboration being part of the “recipe” that helps to yield that consistency.
“The new Ballina headspace will improve access to mental health and wellbeing services for young people across the Ballina Shire so that help is available before young people reach crisis point.
“The service will provide a vital resource for young people, to build early and positive help-seeking behaviours that will support wellbeing management for later years,” said Ms Wheeler.
A final word from Jason Trethowan, CEO of headspace
Jason took the opportunity to acknowledge the feeling of the new centre saying he had “never seen anything like it”, expressing an incredibly welcoming atmosphere, but not just because of the space itself – a combination also of the smiling faces and passion of the staff.
Jason also spoke of the importance of reducing any stigma and shame that young people might feel around reaching out for help.
headspace Ballina snapshot