A new model of care was one of a number of initiatives introduced at Open Minds two headspace centres in the past 18 months, earning the team recognition in the Moreton Bay Regional Industry and Tourism (MBRIT) Awards.
headspace was named finalist in the SRJ Walker Wayland Not for Profit Excellence Award. The category recognised organisations that have delivered strong, community-based initiatives that positively impacts on, and delivers long-term benefits for the community.
headspace Operations Manager Nick Martin said the model was introduced at the Strathpine and Redcliffe centres, cutting wait times and giving more young people earlier access to mental health support.
Under the new model of care, clients assessed as suitable for support by headspace were given direct access to six to eight therapy sessions. Previously, clients assessed as suitable would be placed on a wait list to access services.
Nick said the team deserved the recognition and opportunity to celebrate its achievements.
“It’s good for our clinicians to be honoured for their work to improve the outcomes of mental health for young people,” Nick said. “We have a really passionate team, and they were overwhelmed with the recognition.”
A student workforce initiative introduced in the past two years is increasing the skills of student psychologists and social workers.
Under the workforce initiative, students at various stages of their university degrees were offered a placement at headspace where they were fully supervised to see clients, while continuing their university education and receiving on-site training with senior clinicians.
Nick said the initiative gave students the opportunity to gain experience in a well-supported clinical setting.
“We are giving them work experience in the type of environment they should be reaching for,” he said. “We set the bar high and give them exactly what it should be like in the workplace.”
The initiative aims to increase the capacity of headspace to see clients, while building a recruitment pathway for young clinicians.
Nick said developing the award nomination for the MBRIT Awards gave staff the opportunity to reflect on their achievements during and on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The application highlighted our initiatives to improve the outcomes of mental health for young people in our region,” Nick said.
“Congratulations to our teams for their innovation and passion to improve the wellbeing of people in the Moreton Bay Region.”
The winners were announced at a Gala event in early July 2023.