Youth voices amplified at headspace event

HEADSPACE Geelong and Corio helped to amplify the voices of young people seeking mental health support by hosting a Q&A panel event last week.

The ”Is your service youth friendly?” event focused on empowering young people to support their own wellbeing and mental health.

It also encouraged local providers to discover ways they can better assist young members of society in accessing the help they need, when they need it.

Five local young people spoke about the challenges and main barriers of seeking help from local service providers.

The group discussed their experiences of making appointments, the importance of authenticity, gender inclusive language, as well as the value of confidentiality and cultural considerations.

 

They also spoke in length about safe spaces and how non-gendered forms, toilets and soft and natural light can contribute positively to user experience.

Headspace Geelong centre manager Tenille Favazza said the event was very well received by local providers and community members.

“We feel the event was important to create a space to hear what is important to young people accessing and experience barriers to access support.

“Some important messages from the event were that it’s important to treat each young person as unique and to tailoring your response to their individual diverse needs.

“We are grateful for the young people who shared their experiences and the clinicians who took the time to attend and learn more about how to make their services as youth friendly as possible.”

To connect with headspace Geelong, phone 5222 6690 or head to headspace.org.au/Geelong.