headspace Redcliffe Celebrates
a Decade of Empowering Young Lives
headspace Redcliffe has proudly marked its 10th anniversary of providing essential mental health services to the young people of the Redcliffe community.
For a decade, this vital service has been operated by Open Minds as lead agency and has supported thousands of 12-25 year olds with early intervention in mental health, work and study, sexual health, and substance abuse challenges.
Nick Martin, Operations Manager at headspace Redcliffe, reflects on the milestone, stating, “Over the past ten years, we have provided support to over 5,000 young people in our community.”
“That’s one new young person every day for the past 10 years who has had the courage to walk through our doors and reach out for help. Our role extends beyond mental health support; we offer a comprehensive range of services, and we collaborate closely with local schools and other community organisations to reach those in need.”
At the heart of headspace Redcliffe’s mission is the Youth Reference Group, comprised of eight passionate young advocates who play a crucial role in shaping the centre’s approach. They offer invaluable perspectives and help raise awareness of headspace’s work within the community.
“The group meet monthly to provide feedback and insights from their age groups. Their role is to ensure that the centre’s initiatives reflect the needs and opinions of the young people we serve,” Nick said.
Kate Johnson, CEO of Open Minds, the organisation that operates headspace centres in Indooroopilly, Redcliffe, and Strathpine, highlights the significance of this anniversary.
“Open Minds has a 112-year history, which underscores our longstanding commitment to enhancing mental health for Australians while dismantling pervasive barriers and stigma associated with seeking support.”
“We are incredibly proud of what this team has achieved in Redcliffe, they are an integral service to this community.”
Nick Martin also extends his gratitude to long-serving team members who have been integral to the centre’s success: Nikki Carla, nine and eight years of service respectively, and Chloe, who has been the longest-serving headspace team member in Australia with a decade of service.
The centre has also recently undergone significant renovations explained Community Development Officer Rikki Gross who said they now feature two sensory rooms equipped with low-lighting options and an expanded family room where young people can bring friends or family.
“Our centre’s renovation was long overdue, and we appreciate the support from the community and the Primary Healthcare Network (PHN) in making this possible,” Rikki said.
“A refreshed, bright, and inviting environment helps remove many obstacles for young people seeking support. With our fantastic staff and services, we now have an improved space that enhances our ability to support young people on the peninsula.”
headspace Redcliffe’s services include sexual health clinics, drug and alcohol support, mental health services, work and study assistance, and various youth programs, including creative groups like the art group. As they celebrate this milestone, the centre remains committed to its mission of supporting and empowering the young people of the Redcliffe community.
For more information, please visit, https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/redcliffe/