January 15 - 21, 2025
Helping young adults build connections
◆ COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Headspace’s client liaison officer Lauren Dinsdale, community awareness and engagement coordinator Lara Taylor and peer worker Annabelle Cannon are part of the team tackling isolation and loneliness among young adults in our community.
fun, flexible, and inclusive groups where young people can meet new people, enjoy shared experiences, and boost their wellbeing - all without pressure or stigma.” The groups are designed for young people aged 18–25 to build connections, enhance wellbeing, and promote meaningful social interactions. The first group will take place on January 31 and will run weekly across the region over the year, with term 1 beginning with outdoor social groups. ■ Continued Page 6
ISOLATION and loneliness is a reality for many young adults in the local community. To help tackle this issue, headspace Albury Wodonga and headspace Wangaratta are launching a peer-led social groups initiative help young adults build connections and support one another. The initiative is supported by grant funds from the Ovens Murray Mental Health Alcohol and Drug Alliance. Headspace team leader Katie Shalevski said these peer-led social groups are the result of a thoughtful needs analysis, collaboration with
for a healthy headspace’ principle, we identified that many young people wanted opportunities to connect outdoors, socialise, and enjoy group activities that align with their interests.” Headspace peer worker Annabelle Cannon young people, and feedback from local netsaid more than 66 per cent of survey respondworks. “Our research revealed that isolation and ents expressed a preference for outdoor activiloneliness were significant challenges for ties and were keen to help determine the days young people in the Ovens Murray Region,” and times for these gatherings. “The results also highlighted social needs, Katie said. “Through surveys and discussions with eating habits, and overall wellbeing were areas young people, including input from our Youth in need of support,” they said. “This feedback shaped our vision to create Reference Group (YRG) and using the ‘7 tips
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