HELP ON HAND FOR STRESSED-OUT YOUTH
On the same day that news broke of the tragic untimely death of actor and comedian, Robin Williams, who suffered from depression, our guest speaker this week, Antonia Bordoni gave an inspiring and passionate presentation about the organisation that specializes in helping young people facing the pressures of life. Headspace is a community-based organisation providing a comprehensive range of help for young people facing mental health and other health issues, online, by phone and face-to-face. Headspace centres across Australia provide information, support and services to young people aged 12 to 25 years and their families.
THE PROBLEM
· One in four people will experience a mental health issue within any one year
· 75% of mental health problems emerge before the age of 25
Up to 50% of substance abuse problems are preceded by mental health
· High suicide rates in early to mid adulthood are related to untreated mental health problems in the late teenage and early adulthood years
· Currently, one in four young people experiencing mental health problems actually receives professional help
Headspace Centres are scattered across Australia with 55 of them open to young people. Antonia represents the Fremantle branch of Headspace and is a wonderful advocate for this much-needed community service. She regularly gives talks in schools , sometimes five times a week, and loves sharing about Headspace at service clubs and community groups. She was a guest speaker at the Rotary District 9465 conference in Mandurah earlier this year and is happy to be guest speaker at any Rotary Club. Headspace are hoping to open a branch in Armadale in the near future, subject to funding and other criteria. There’s no doubt that our community would greatly benefit from such a service.
Issues faced by young people, for which they can receive counselling and referrals to appropriate professional help, include mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, sexual health issues, contraception advice, bullying, relationship problems, problems at school or tertiary education centres, physical & sexual abuse, financial or budgeting problems—and more.
What to expect at a Headspace Centre:
· Help for any type of health issue
· Free services
· A welcoming environment that is youth friendly
· A range of medical professionals: doctors, psychologists, counsellors, social workers, youth workers and drug & alcohol workers
eheadspace is a confidential free and secure service for young people 12-25 yrs of age and their families and friends. It offers online chat, email or phone services 9:00am to 1:00am, 7 days a week with qualified youth mental health professionals. Callback is available for those using a mobile phone.
If you know a young person who might need help:
Families, carers and friends can make an appointment for a young person with their consent. To do so phone (08) 9 335 6333 with them to arrange an appointment.
If you are working with a young person who might need help:
Workers from schools, health or community organisations can refer to headspace Fremantle can make an appointment for a young person with their consent.
To do so phone (08) 9 335 6333 with them to arrange an appointment. Young People under the age of 16 must have parental consent. The young person MUST consent to the referral.
(Photo: Past President Peter Warren presents Headspace's Antonia Bordoni with a Rotary mug as President Craig Alford photo-bombs!)