headspace Southport receives $9,828 for youth mental health projects from Southport Sharks
In October 2018, Southport Sharks welcomed an additional charity partner, headspace Southport – a national youth mental health foundation supporting young people aged 12-25 years with mental health, physical health, work & study support and alcohol & drug services.
Through the generosity of Sharks members and staff contributing toward the Community Benefit Fund Southport Sharks COO, Chris Jones recently presented headspace Southport Partnership Manager, Steve Hackett with a cheque for $9,828.
Types of projects Southport Sharks funding will support
Speaking with Belinda Tessieri who is the Youth Projects & Events Coordinator for headspace Southport, she explained how the funding will be utilised.
“Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is currently made up of eight young people who are involved in decisions affecting the way our centre is run and how we engage young people. They are focused on reducing the stigma of mental health challenges, educating other young people in ways they can look after their own mental health and provide a voice in advocacy for young people.
“Our YAC has identified gaps in the services being provided to young people within the headspace Southport centre… and suggested we provide opportunities for enjoyable social connections and activities to improve young people’s resilience, functionality, their sense of purpose and self.” – Belinda Tessieri
“Young people are more isolated and socially disconnected than ever before, even with technology providing new ways of interacting and reaching diverse audiences.
“YAC would like to use the funding to provide groups (that are non-clinical in nature), which young people can attend to improve their social connectedness, provide a safe space and sense of community, contributing to improved mental health and wellbeing. Examples include groups focussing on mindfulness activities, sports/physical activities, table-top games (board games), social catch ups (such as going to a coffee shop), bbq’s on the deck and picnics in the park” said Belinda Tessieri.
Southport Sharks is proud to support headspace Southport, as we understand the integral part mental health plays in everyday life.
headspace Southport contact information
Level 1, H20 Broadwater
1/2 Nind Street, Southport 4215
(07) 5509 5900