JAMIESON
HEADSPACE PMQ
JULES Headspace Port Macquarie is celebrating 10 years this month and Jules Jamieson has been part of the team there almost since the beginning. She shares her experiences of what Headspace provides and what she has learnt through her time there.
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an you tell us what your role is at Headspace and how long you have been part of the team there?
My current role at Headspace Port Macquarie is the Community Engagement Coordinator. I have been a part of the team since September 2013, so going on 10 years! Could you share with our readers a bit about what Headspace does and provides in the community? Absolutely. Headspace Port Macquarie is part of the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. We are a holistic health service offering free counselling, psychology, and support to young people 12-25 years, their families and friends in the Port MacquarieHastings Region. With a focus on early
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intervention, our centre provides a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space where young people can be themselves. Our multidisciplinary team consists of mental health coaches, mental health clinicians, social workers, psychologists, a tele-psychiatrist, GP and practice nurse. Together we help young people through challenges that may relate to school, work, study, drugs and alcohol, sexual and physical health, relationships and more. Our centre provides psycho-education workshops on specific topics such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation and intelligence, assertive communication, selfesteem, resilience and stress management. Complementary to these we have social inclusion activities that include art, guitar, stand-up paddle boarding, fitness, anime and LGBTQIA+ programs.
Exclusively for parents and carers we are now offering single-session family therapy, and in the new year a new Family Wellbeing and Support Group. We also offer volunteer, leadership and advocacy opportunities to young people through our renowned Youth Reference Group (YRG), and for our over 25’s through our Family and Friends Reference Group (FFRG). In addition, we offer free mental health training and education to the community through schools, sporting clubs, local businesses and organisations. Who can access support through Headspace and how would they go about it? Headspace is a free service for 12-25 year olds. Our front of house team are amazing and can answer any of your questions or