For headspace Bundaberg community engagement and access worker Kane Perry, it was a reminder of the commitment that headspace has to so many communities at the headspace forum.
Kane said it was wonderful to be joined by members of the headspace Bundaberg team including their consortium chair David Facer and youth engagement committee member Nia Golding to attend the forum in Brisbane following the theme of one headspace-many communities.
“There was almost 1500 people from the headspace network of nearly 160 centres coming together to facilitate connections, share knowledge and develop learning,” he said.
“Our team took part in various of workshops and listened to interesting keynote speakers over the three days which included clinical knowledge, education on headspace’s online services, connecting with community, as well as ways to improve participation of youth and their caregivers within our centre.
“There were plenty of conversations that have sparked ideas of what we can start within the Bundaberg community, and I was particularly chuffed reflecting on how strong our connection to the Bundaberg community already is.
“We look forward to bringing these ideas to life with our volunteers, consortia, and the wider community.”
Interestingly in the lead up to the forum organisers were seeking applications for young people to perform at the forum, with Kane reaching out to Gia Von She who wowed audiences at Bundaberg’s BRITE ball last year.
“Gia was one of three young people selected and provided a dazzling performance during the closing ceremony.
“Gia’s story was on them as she may have moved to Brisbane, but continues to support where she grew up, her hometown of Bundaberg.”
Youth engagement committee member Nia Golding shared Kane’s enthusiasm for all that was shared at the headspace forum.
“Being involved in the headspace forum as a member of the Bundaberg centre’s youth engagement committee was an amazing experience,” she said.
“The opportunity allowed me to meet and form connections with many other like-minded individuals from around Australia.
“I was also able to listen to multiple talks and discussions relating to topics surrounding youth mental health and other aspects of support that headspace offers, which I found very interesting and educational.”
Kane urges people to view the headspace Bundaberg social media pages to see what they are up to and how to become involved.
“Our next event is this weekend, we have partnered with Bundaberg Regional Galleries for ‘Create with Pride’, the weekend after is the ‘Bundaberg Multicultural World Cup’.
