headspace Toowoomba is not a crisis service. If you feel you, or the people around you, may be in danger, please contact emergency services on 000.

If you require non emergency, more immediate support, we suggest you contact any of the phone numbers supplied below.

Are you 12-25 and need someone to talk to?  At headspace Toowoomba, we've got your back.

If you

• are feeling down, stressed, or can't stop worrying.
• haven't felt like yourself for a long time.
• can't deal with school or finding it difficult to concentrate.
• are feeling sick or worried about your health.
• want to cut down on your drinking or drug use.
• want to talk about sexuality, identity, or relationships.
• are having difficulties with friendships.
• have sexual health issues or want to find out about contraception.
• are being bullied, cyberbullied, hurt, or harassed.
• are worried about work or study or if you're having money trouble.
• are worried about a friend or family member.

headspace Toowoomba can help.

At headspace Toowoomba, our primary focus is the wellbeing of Young People in the region, and we understand that getting help early is important in resolving problems effectively.

Our services are free or low cost and we make sure that your privacy and confidentiality are maintained and respected.  If headspace Toowoomba is seriously worried about your safety, or the safety of someone else they must, by law, try to keep everyone safe.  This means we may have to share our concerns with someone else.  You can talk to your headspace Toowoomba worker about confidentiality at any time, if you have questions, or need more information.

Please bring your Medicare card with you.  If you don't have a Medicare card, or you forget it, don't worry, we'll sort something out for you.  To make an appointment just call or drop into headspace Toowoomba!  Alternatively, you can ask a friend, teacher, parent, other family member, health worker, or community agency to contact headspace Toowoomba with you.

headspace Toowoomba has great access for Young People and their Family and Friends.  We have off street parking, disability friendly spaces, and access to interpreters.

You are welcome to bring family and friends with you if you wish.  We love it.

We understand that asking for help when you're not feeling yourself can sometimes be difficult or uncomfortable.

Because of this, headspace Toowoomba have made our referral process as easy as possible.

If you are 12-25

• You can refer yourself.
• You can have Family or Friends refer you (with your consent).
• Your Doctor can refer you.
• Your School, TAFE, University, or other Agency helping you, can refer you (with your consent) or assist you in making an appointment.

If you are under 16 years of age, we love if you can come with a parent, care giver, or support person for your first appointment.

To make an appointment

You can call us on 07 4639 9000.

You can drop in an see us at 1 Snell Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350.

If you require urgent, or out of business hours help, please call Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800, Lifeline - 13 11 14, or visit eheadspace

Privacy

At headspace Toowoomba we take your privacy very seriously and anything shared with us is confidential.  We keep all your information on a secure database which is only available to headspace Toowoomba Workers.  The law stops us from sharing your information outside these people unless we have your permission.  Sometimes you do not want us to share your information and we respect that, however, there may be times when we need to talk to someone without your permission, such as; if you or someone else is at significant harm risk or if the law requires us to do so.

Cost

Care and Support is free.  We have bulk billed appointments using Mental Health Care Plans and General Practitioner Management Plans.  We also have in-kind support appointments with our Community Partners.

You don’t need to have a Mental Health Care Plan or General Practitioner Management Plan before contacting headspace Toowoomba and coming in for your first appointment.  These can be arranged for you with your own Doctor, after you attend.

Bulk Billing is where headspace Toowoomba, instead of charging you, can bill Medicare for the Care and Support that you receive.

In-kind support is where appointments are donated to headspace Toowoomba by our Community Partners to help Young People have a variety of Care and Support choices.

Some young people have found these various apps, online programs and organisations helpful while they are waiting to see a clinician at headspace Toowoomba:

eheadspace - Free, confidential, over the phone or online counselling service provided by headspace. 1800 650 890 or at Online & Phone Support.

Kids Helpline - Free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

ReachOut - Online resources and support for young people under 25 going through a tough time. au.reachout.com

Head to Health - Wherever you are on your mental health journey, Head to Health is here to help you find the information, resources, and services that most suit your needs. headtohealth.gov.au

BeyondNow App -  This is a safely planning app that you can work through if you're having thoughts of suicide. beyondblue.org.au/get-support/beyondnow-suicide-safety-planning

Hello Sunday Morning - Website and app that support young people cutting back or taking a break from alcohol. hellosundaymorning.org

The Brave Program - Online program to support young people aged 8-17 with anxiety. brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/

Breakup Shakeup - App that supports young people going through a relationship break up. iTunes.apple.com/au/app/breakup-shakeup/id1017200579?mt=8

Clear Your Vision - Online program to support young people to reduce their cannabis use. cannabissupport.com.au/treatment/tools-to-quit/clear-your-vision

Parent/Carer Information Sessions 

headspace, Darling Downs Health and Evolve Therapeutic Service present: PACE

Open for parents, carers and workers who support young people.

Are you looking for strategies to support a child or young person experiencing mental health challenges?

Research tells us that children and adolescents do best when they have strong and tuned in connections with key adults in their lives. This workshop introduces the pACE approach. pACE gives parents, carers, educators and workers strategies to foster secure and supportive relationships with children and adolescents.

Developed by Clinical Psychologist Dr Dan Hughes, pACE is a successful approach to working with children who have experienced trauma. This therapeutic and parenting approach is widely used in helping children with attachment and trauma related difficulties. The pACE model is family-based and focuses on the facilitation of the children’s ability to establish a secure attachment with their carer/s.

Care giving with pACE provides appropriate boundaries, together with warmth and nurture, the connection that pACE creates means that this care giving is received as fully unconditional.

To register your attendance, copy this link into your browser! https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rhYIOHFy90yVMYRLJ19WPgdl4P4vgVhMolDPWEKXDd1UN1hVSFZZVlBCTkJNTjlIRDNDMFk3UjNJQS4u&origin=QRCode

headspace Toowoomba has free onsite parking, accessible via Finchley St, including disability parking and wheel chair access throughout the centre, including toilets.

headspace Toowoomba is accessible by public transport with bus stops only a short walk away.  Please check out the Translink website to plan your journey to headspace Toowoomba - https://translink.com.au/

headspace Toowoomba workers are dedicated youth health professionals who can support you in a friendly, confidential, and non-judgemental environment.

Scott - centre manager

Favourite food? Indian - Saag Paneer. Dream pet? Whippets. Superpower of choice? Flying. Thing I love doing most? Thinking. My '3 wishes to change the world' would be? The world was secular, and science based; The world was free of animal cruelty and nature was valued; and The world was more caring, and health and happiness was a priority.

Simone - clinical lead

What is your favourite thing to do on the weekend? Footy, relaxing, good food, and coffee with my family. Dream holiday? Tour of Europe. Favourite colour? White. Favourite food? Italian.

Sharon - intake worker

Superpower of choice? To make everyone be kind. Thing I love doing most? Being outside. My '3 wishes to change the world' would be? End judgement without cause; Temperature control the world; and Religion not being allowed in politics. Dream holiday? Being anywhere near water.  Would like to see a Puffin one day, which would mean going to Iceland.

Deb - intake worker

What is your favourite thing to do on the weekend?  Hang out with Family and Friends.  Dream holiday?  Cruise to Antartica.  Favourite food? Chinese and Caramel tarts.

Anna - intake worker

Superpower of choice? Teleportation to make travelling overseas easier! Dream pet? Bull terrier puppy. What is your favourite thing to do on the weekend? Pilates and coffee. Dream holiday? Living in Europe for a year.

Alana - intake worker

My '3 wishes to change the world' would be? Access to support at School is easier; Free food on Fridays; and There is no more war and violence. Dream holiday? Twelve months to see the world. Superpower of choice? Teleportation. Any areas of professional interest? How childhood attachment impacts a person's health, both physical and mental, as they age.

Greg - intervention worker

Favourite food? Greek. Superpower of choice? Time traveller. Dream holiday? 5 days at a Pacific island resort. Favourite colour? Green.

Lilli - intervention worker

Superpower of choice? To breath underwater. Thing I love doing most? Spending time with my animals and family, watching live music, and going out for coffee. My '3 wishes to change the world' would be? Equality and equity for all; No war; and More compassion and kindness. Dream holiday? Scotland.

Andrew - intervention worker

Favourite food? Burgers. My '3 wishes to change the world' would be? No more animal or human abuse; Governments that support healthcare, education, and environmental advancements; and A universal basic income. Superpower of choice? Teleportation. Dream holiday? Mountain retreat. Favourite colour? Purple.

Taylor - intervention worker

Thing I love doing most? Going to the beach with my dogs and family. Favourite colour? Yellow. Favourite food? Double choc brownies.

Agatha - intervention worker

Dream holiday? See the Norther lights. Cabin in the forest in the middle of a snowy Winter. Favourite colour? All colours. Favourite Food? All desert food. Superpower of choice? Teleportation. Things I love doing most? Spending time with my fur babies and family.

Mae - intervention worker

Dream holiday? A white Christmas in Canada or any Scandinavian country! Favourite Movie? I have more of a favourite genre which is true-crime, horror, and psychological thrillers. Any areas of professional interest? A strong passion for community work and collaborating with other non-government organisations, private sector, and public/government sectors. Things I love doing most? Spending time with my family and cats.

Bec - practice manager

Favourite food? Thai. Dream pet? Chimpanzee. Thing I love doing most? Spending time with family and friends.

Annabelle - community engagement worker

Favourite food? Anything Mexican. Dream holiday? Mexico or Japan. Superpower of choice? Mind reading. Things I love doing most? Going to the beach. Favourite movie? Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Dan - practice administration worker

Favourite colour? Blue. Dream holiday? Sunshine Coast. Things I love doing most? Painting. Playing Music.

Karen - practice administration worker

Favourite food? Anything Mexican. Favourite colour? Blue. Things I love doing most? Go camping and kayaking on the weekend with my family and pup, Dova.

Chloe - practice administration worker 

Favourite food? Italian. Favourite colour? Pink. Superpower of choice? Flight. Dream pet? Labradoodle. Things I love doing most? Socialising with friends and going to Pilates.

Wilson - resident groover

Favourite Food? Cake O_O. Dream Pet? Young People. Super power of choice? To be able to convince anyone, at any time, to give me treats. Things I love doing most? Hanging at headspace Toowoomba. Playing with my best friend Pickles. Playing with my headspace Ball.

Winston - resident greeter

Favourite Food? Chicken. Dream Pet? My owners. Super power of choice? To lay out in the sunshine and absorb so much heat that I could heat a small village. Things I love doing most? Laying in the sun. Meeting Young People that visit headspace Toowoomba. Seeing how close I can get to my owners - think Velcro!

What is our Youth Engagement Subcommittee (YES)?

Providing Young People with the opportunity to be heard.

There are a number of roles you can do as a YES Member, including

• Leading a project / event / fundraiser in our Toowoomba region;
• Represent headspace Toowoomba and Young People;
• Social media and website consultation and development;
• Research and evaluation of headspace Toowoomba Care and Support;
• Consultation around resource development such as, factsheets, brochures, etc.;
• Peer support and mentoring;
• Become a Media Spokesperson; and
• Have the opportunity to sit in a Chair, or Vice Chair position.

By getting involved you will

• Have the opportunity to have your say about Mental Health Care and Support at headspace Toowoomba;
• Develop new skills;
• Attend leadership training;
• Be given the opportunity to participate in Mental Health training opportunities;
• Meet and work with other Young People who are passionate about Mental Health; and
• Make a difference to Mental Health.

Expectations and requirement’s

• Attend YES Meetings (held every month).
• Participate in planning and attending events.
• headspace Toowoomba will provide some training to support you to participate in the above activities.

How do I get involved?

• Complete the YES Application Form and email it to headspacetwba@youturn.org.au or you can drop it into headspace Toowoomba at 1 Snell Street, Toowoomba, QLD

What is our Family and Friends Subcommittee (FaFS)?

Providing Family and Friends of Young People with the opportunity to be heard.

There are a number of roles you can do as a FaFS Member, including

• Leading a project / event / fundraiser in our Toowoomba region;
• Represent headspace Toowoomba;
• Social media and website consultation and development;
• Research and evaluation of headspace Toowoomba Care and Support;
• Consultation around resource development such as, factsheets, brochures, etc.;
• Peer support and mentoring; and
• Have the opportunity to sit in a Chair, or Vice Chair position.

By getting involved you will

• Have the opportunity to have your say about Mental Health Care and Support at headspace Toowoomba;
• Develop new skills;
• Attend leadership training;
• Be given the opportunity to participate in Mental Health training opportunities;
• Meet and work with other People who are passionate about Mental Health; and
• Make a difference to Mental Health.

Expectations and requirement’s

• Attend FaFS Meetings (held every month).
• Participate in planning and attending events.
• headspace Toowoomba will provide some training to support you to participate in the above activities.

How do I get involved?

• Complete a FaFS Application Form and email it to community.headspacetwba@youturn.org.au or you can drop it into headspace Toowoomba at 1 Snell Street, Toowoomba, QLD

Events

Any upcoming events will be advertised online on our Facebook and Instagram.

All activities are free unless otherwise noted and will be run by our friendly team.

Community Engagement

If you would like resources to distribute to young people aged 12-25 please email community.headspacetwba@youturn.org.au.

For all enquiries regarding presentations and community engagement activities please contact community.headspacetwba@youturn.org.au.  Please be advised that 2-3 weeks’ notice for presentations and events is appreciated.

We are so grateful to be supported by such an amazing community.

Fundraisers and donations assist us to raise awareness and educate the community on mental health and wellbeing.  They also help us to improve headspace Toowoomba, helping to make sure Young People have a positive experience when they visit us.

Fundraising

If you would like to organise a fundraiser for headspace Toowoomba, please get in touch with us at community.headspacetwba@youturn.org.au or on (07) 4639 9000.

Donations

If you would like to donate to headspace Toowoomba, please get in touch with our centre on (07) 4639 9000 or send an email to community.headspacetwba@youturn.org.au.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.  Please let us know if you require a receipt for your donation.

What is the difference between psychiatry and psychology?

Psychologists and Psychiatrists both work in the area of Mental Health and often work together.  Psychiatrists first train as a doctor and then become specialists in psychiatry, which means they can prescribe medications for Mental Health issues.  Some are also trained in psychological therapy.  Psychologists on the other hand use non-medical techniques and therapies focusing on thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and reactions to improve wellbeing.  This can be done via individual, group or family work.

What is the difference between psychologist, social worker, and occupational therapist?

At headspace Toowoomba we have Workers from all three disciplines; each offering their own perspective on Mental Health.  The main difference is in relation to training and theories of clinical practice but regardless of who the Young Person sees, they will be seeing someone passionate about Young People and have the necessary training in Mental Health.

What are the iPads for?

Young People are asked to fill out a questionnaire about how they are going on the iPads before their appointment with a headspace Toowoomba Worker.  This provides useful information to their Worker and helps them to best support the Young Person.

What happens when a young person turns 26?

When a Young Person currently being seen at headspace Toowoomba turns 26 years old and still requires Mental Health support, their Worker will discuss alternative options available to them and refer them as appropriate.

What if a young person is nearly turning 12?

When a Young Person is almost 12, parents are welcome to contact headspace Toowoomba and an Intake Worker will speak to them about their concerns and suggest an appropriate way forward.

Can you get a Letter of Attendance at Reception?

Yes, if your Young Person has attended an appointment at headspace Toowoomba, you can ask our  Practice Administration Team before you leave to print out a letter of attendance.  This can be used by you and / or your Young Person to excuse you / their absence from work and / or school.

Do you have any interpreter options?

Yes, interpreters can be arranged in advance to support the Young Person or their Family to communicate with a headspace Toowoomba Worker during session. 

Do parents / carers have to attend the centre with their young person?

It would be awesome if parents / carers could attend for the Intake Assessment, as we want to make sure we benefit from your knowledge and experience of the Young Person's life.  Outside the Intake Assessment, parents / carers do not have to attend the centre with their Young Person, however, we do encourage parents / carers to be as involved as they can be.

What is a mature minor consent screen?

A minor (i.e. someone who is under 16 years of age) may be able to give informed consent if they have sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable full understanding of what is being proposed.

Where does the information go that a young person, family member or carer provide?

All personal information about Young People or Families is stored safely and securely on our electronic medical record.  This information will not be shared with anybody outside headspace Toowoomba unless we have your / your Young Person’s consent or where we are required to disclose information by law (e.g. if we receive a subpoena) or where we might have immediate safety concerns about a Young Person.

If I have concerns or feedback, who can I speak to?

We have Feedback Forms available at our Reception.  Alternatively, you can contact the centre directly and chat to our Centre Manager.