Earlier this year, on 31 May, headspace Newcastle marked 10 years since they first opened their doors to support young people and their families.
To mark the occasion, headspace Newcastle hosted an afternoon tea to launch their new First Nations design created in collaboration with Speaking in Colour on Thursday 30 November.
headspace Newcastle was opened in 2013 by the Hon Mark Butler and Federal Member Sharon Claydon.
Since then, headspace Newcastle has supported over 8,000 young people and their families to access services to support mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs.
The centre’s range of services and staff has expanded over the past decade to reflect the local needs of Newcastle’s growing population and across the Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens areas.
headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan congratulated the headspace Newcastle team on their 10-year anniversary.
“With two in five young people experiencing a mental illness, it’s more important than ever we provide young people youth-friendly health and wellbeing support, when and where they need it most,” Jason said.
“headspace Newcastle has been steadfast in their support for young people over the past 10 years, and for that they should be incredibly proud.
“I know they’ll continue to serve their community with excellence over the next 10 years and beyond.”
headspace Newcastle has worked with Speaking in Colour to create a First Nations design that is inspired from the local area (Awabakal and Worimi country). The design reflects the animals, birds and waterways and intertwines them with a young persons’ journey to wellbeing.
headspace Newcastle Manager, Sophie Langford said it was special to collaborate with Speaking in Colour in a way that represents what headspace do and the people it supports.
“It was important for us to have a design that has been created locally, reflects our values and work with young people and their families. It’s a great way to mark our 10 year birthday,” Sophie said.
The afternoon tea featured performances and dances by the young women from Ngaarr Dhuwi Aboriginal Girls Program at Newcastle High School and speeches from local youth advocates.
During the lead up to the event, headspace Newcastle published a suite of social media clips highlighting the achievements of the centre, and messages of thanks from VIPs and Youth Reference Groups members (both past and present).
headspace Youth Advisory Board Chair, Katie Unwin said 10 years of operating is a worthy celebration.
“Turning 10 is an exciting milestone for all of us when it happens. headspace Newcastle has worked with young people to create the youth-friendly service we see today for the last 10 years, I think it’s time for a celebration!” Katie Unwin, Youth Advisory Board Chair.
IMAGE | headspace Community Development Worker, Byron Williams and headspace Newcastle Manager, Sophie Langford with speaking in colour design print.
