Bushfire Space At Headspace: New Online Support For Young People

Bushfire Space at headspace:
New Online Support for Young People

headspace, National Youth Mental Health Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a new online space for young people affected by the Victorian bushfires in early 2009. Developed in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health and made possible by the generous support of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, the website provides a much needed place for young people continuing to struggle with the aftermath of the bushfires.

headspace CEO Chris Tanti says, "This will be a critical initiative for young people. We know that many young people continue to struggle with the loss experienced as a result of these bushfires. We are here to support young people and we know that the events of that day can have an impact over a long period of time."

Your Bushfire Space is a place where young people experiencing trauma can contact a headspace worker with questions about health or mental health issues and receive a personalised response. The site has also been designed to create a sense of community amongst young people, with a noticeboard, forum, and a place to share stories.
"This is an important community service and we want all young people who need support to get support regardless of where they live. headspace and its partners think it is critical for young people to have information about how they can look after their own mental health. Young people may also need to assist friends, family and their local community with the recovery process, so this information is also included," says Mr Tanti.

To access the site visit: www.headspace.org.au/bushfirespace
In addition to a great interactive youth health website, headspace has 30 Centres across Australia offering young people (aged 12-25) access to a range of free or low cost health and mental health services.

A headspace centre is:

* A place where young people (12-25) can receive help for a range of issues
* A confidential low cost or free service dependent on circumstances
* A place where young people and families are encouraged to become involved

Visit www.headspace.org.au for more information or to find a headspace centre near you.

For media enquiries and interviews, please call Maree Sidey on 0417 385 208

SOURCE: headspace