headspace & Facebook combat youth suicide

In an Australian first, headspace and Facebook have joined forces to help at-risk young people across the country who are struggling with mental health issues.

Expert headspace analysis has revealed a number of locations where young people are not seeking help when they need it most.

As part of the unprecedented partnership, Facebook has provided headspace with ad credits to allow headspace to use Facebook ad targeting to promote messages and advice to people in their Newsfeeds, who are living in towns or regions that have recently experienced suicide. 

Mia Garlick, Facebook Director of Policy in Australia, said the initiative is speaking to young people who - in many cases – can’t be reached by traditional methods.

“We want to ensure as best we can that young people don’t fall through the cracks when they are at their most vulnerable,”

headspace photo library Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 042

Kristen Douglas, National Manager of headspace School Support, said the targeted messaging was a ground-breaking way of communicating to regions that aren’t accessing the mental health help they need.

“This way we know that 13 to 25 year-olds in those areas – and who are on Facebook – will see that they either have a headspace centre close to them, or that they can contact eheadspace.”

The posts will direct young people to nearby headspace centres, or to eheadspace, the online and over-the-phone service. It will also outline that headspace offers support for both mental and physical health, drug and alcohol issues and work and study concerns. 

The Facebook messaging began in November and will extend throughout December and January. Eleven locations across NSW, WA, Queensland and Victoria will receive the initial, targeted messaging. They are: 

  • Kalgoorlie, Kununurra (WA)
  • Warrnambool (VIC)
  • Redcliffe, Caboolture, Bileola, Gladstone (QLD)
  • Tweed Heads, Grafton, Albury Wodonga, North Coast (near Lismore) (NSW)

headspace are looking to expand the program to reach other locations throughout Australia. 

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Michael Bennett

headspace Media & Communications Manager

0413 025 385

headspace has 95 centres across Australia, for details visit www.headspace.org.au.

If you are having a tough time, visit your local centre or contact eheadspace on 1800 650 890 or www.eheadspace.org.au.