headspace Day on October 5 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 Swan Hill marked the occasion with celebratory cupcakes encouraging a moment to pause and reflect and a free BBQ lunch and activities at Manangatang P-12 school to reconnect with staff and students.

headspace Swan Hill Centre Manager Kirsty Jacobs says this is an important date for all members of the community but particularly young people and those with young people in their lives.

“Young people face a unique set of challenges and have a lot going on in their lives which can leave them feeling unbalanced or that they’re always trying to keep up,” Kirsty said. “headspace day is an opportunity to remind young people that it can be helpful to slow down and take a minute. To pause and reflect and reconnect with something they love.”

Young person Bonnie Kelly from the headspace Swan Hill Youth Reference Group shared some of her strategies for slowing down and reconnecting in tough times.

“Making sure I am maintaining an open and honest relationship with the important people in my life really helps in tough times,” Bonnie said. “I know that moving my body regularly, even if it is just going for a short walk or stretching out in the sun for a few minutes, helps me to slow down. Taking the challenging times in my life and turning them into a positive way to help others is what motivated me to join the Youth Reference Group… it has been a great way to give back to the community!”

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said many young people in Australia have experienced a number of challenges over the past couple of years, including Covid-19, lockdowns and natural disaster.

“Many of the young people coming to headspace tell us they feel busy, stressed and anxious about everyday life.

“The blur of mental and emotional demands can sometimes make life feel challenging.“That’s when it can be useful to pause, to reflect on how you’re feeling, and reconnect with the people and things that make you feel good.

“Young people, their families and friends who need more support can visit their local headspace centre or connect with mental health professionals online at headspace.org.au.”

We encourage any young person, family, or friends in need of support to visit their local headspace centre. 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.

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For media and interview enquiries please contact: 

headspace Media team: media@headspace.org.au or 0413 025 385 

About headspace 

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace services in 151 communities across Australia[1], our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. For locations of headspace services, as well as factsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, please visit the headspace website: headspace.org.au 

[1] headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health