headspace Day 2026 Creative Arts Competition: Where I Feel Most Like Me

What helps you feel most like yourself?

Maybe it's spending time with friends, creating art, listening to music, playing sport, connecting with culture, spending time in nature, gaming, reading a good book, or simply taking a moment to slow down and breathe.

This Headspace Day, young people across Knox, Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges are invited to explore that question through creativity as part of the headspace Day 2026 Creative Arts Competition: Where I Feel Most Like Me.

Developed by the headspace Knox and Lilydale Youth Action Force (YAF) and the headspace Box Hill Youth Reference Group (YRG), the competition encourages young people to reflect on the people, places, communities and activities that help them feel most connected to themselves.

Inspired by this year's Headspace Day theme, "do nothing," the competition invites young people to pause, reflect and reconnect with what helps them feel grounded, authentic and well.

What does "do nothing" mean?

In a world that can feel busy, overwhelming and constantly switched on, this year's Headspace Day theme reminds us that our wellbeing matters.

"Do Nothing" isn't about literally doing nothing. It's about making space to slow down, recharge and reconnect with ourselves. It's about noticing the moments, people and activities that help us feel calm, supported and able to be ourselves.

For many young people, the moments when they feel most like themselves happen when there is less pressure to perform and more opportunity to simply be. Whether that's painting, listening to music, spending time with friends, being outdoors or pursuing a creative passion, these moments can play an important role in supporting wellbeing.

Through this competition, we're inviting young people to reflect on:

• Where do I feel most comfortable being myself?
• Who helps me feel accepted and supported?
• What activities help me slow down, recharge or feel connected?
• What does authenticity mean to me?
• When do I feel most like me?

A youth-led collaboration

This competition was developed through a collaboration between the headspace Knox and Lilydale Youth Action Force (YAF) and the headspace Box Hill Youth Reference Group (YRG).

As young people began discussing ways to celebrate Headspace Day 2026, both groups identified an opportunity to create a project that would encourage self-expression, creativity and reflection while connecting with this year's "Do Nothing" theme.

Young people have played a key role in shaping every stage of the competition. From developing the concept and providing feedback on promotional materials to helping determine competition categories, prizes and judging processes, young people have helped ensure the project remains engaging, inclusive and youth-friendly.

The competition reflects the creativity, insight and leadership of young people across Knox, Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges. By bringing together the ideas and perspectives of both youth participation groups, the project creates a platform for young people to share their stories, celebrate what makes them unique and connect with others through creativity.

Get creative

Young people aged 12-25 years are invited to submit creative works inspired by the theme Where I Feel Most Like Me.

Submissions can include:

Painting and Drawing
Photography
Video and Animation
Music and Songwriting
Poetry and Creative Writing
3D Art and Sculpture
✨ And more!

There are voucher prizes available across competition categories, with selected entries featured in a travelling exhibition across participating headspace centres.

Key dates

Submissions open: 1st October 2026

Submissions close: 4 November 2026

Submissions can be uploaded online via the competition submission form or dropped off at a participating headspace centre during opening hours. All submissions must include an artist statement, contact details and consent to be featured in promotional materials and social media.

Selected works will be showcased and celebrated at local headspace events and featured in a travelling exhibition across Knox, Lilydale and Box Hill and then displayed at the headspace centres. 

Share your story

Whether it's a person, place, community, hobby, cultural connection, creative passion or quiet moment that helps you feel most like yourself, we'd love to see it through your work.

This competition is an opportunity to celebrate the many different ways young people connect, recharge and express themselves, while recognising that sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when we give ourselves permission to slow down.

We can't wait to see what you create.

Questions?

For more information about the competition or submission process, please contact:

Jasmine Scampton
Community Engagement Coordinator
headspace Knox & Lilydale

Sophie Hunt
Youth Participation Coordinator
headspace Box Hill

Check out the competition flyer for full submission details and start creating today!✨