First Nations young people across Magandjin/Brisbane and Moreton Bay can now access free, culturally safe mental health support and care at the new Staying Deadly headspace in Deception Bay.
Staying Deadly headspace is Australia's first headspace in an urban community specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, their family and friends.
The centre was officially opened Monday by federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and federal Member for Petrie, Emma Comer MP.
Staying Deadly headspace is located on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people at 665 Deception Bay Road, Deception Bay. Its purpose is to support the growing number of First Nations young people in the region seeking social and emotional wellbeing support.
The centre provides support through a multidisciplinary team of mental health clinicians, other health practitioners and First Nations care coordinators from the local community.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the federal government is "ensuring more First Nations young people have access to culturally safe, mental health support".
"When mental health care is shaped by community, First Nations young people are more likely to reach out and get the support they need," she said on Monday.
"Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need to know there is always support available, and they can enjoy happy, healthy and full lives."
The organisation headspace works to provide "safe and welcoming" spaces for young people to access support and care across four key areas - mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study, and alcohol and other drug services.
The federal government is investing more than $300 million in headspace this financial year.
There are currently 175 headspace services nationally, with a commitment to expand to 203 locations.
Assistant Minister McBride noted that mental health challenges disproportionately impact First Nations young people.
"The new Staying Deadly headspace is the first headspace in an urban community designed and delivered by First Nations people," she said.
"Our government is delivering more headspace centres for First Nations young people. Whether it's Staying Deadly headspace in Deception Bay or headspace Mutitjulu in Central Australia."
Ms Comer said Staying Deadly headspace ensures First Nations young people can access culturally safe care, designed by community and for community.
"When young people feel safe and understood, they are more likely to seek help early and stay connected to support," the local federal MP said.
"This centre is an important step in strengthening social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people."
Staying Deadly headspace is funded by the federal government, commissioned by the Brisbane North Primary Health Network, and operated by The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health.
For young people who prefer online support, eheadspace is available at: www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.
