Associated centre 
headspace Nundah

I am the parent of two young adult children (18 and 22) who have accessed headspace to support them with their mental health and wellbeing. I am also a social worker who has worked with a lot of young people. I am concerned about young people with mental health issues being able to get accessible, affordable services.

When I am not working I like to watch TV, read, do craft and walk my dog. Having a dog is one of the best ways to improve mental health!

Matthew is passionate about improving the mental health system particularly for young LGBTIQA+ people. Matthew has experienced mental health challenges since 2015 and through this became aware of the presence of mental ill health in young people. He also has experience helping close friends and family through similar issues.

He also hopes to encourage a greater representation of male counsellors, assist young LGBTQ+ and promote better understanding and treatment of eating disorders.

As well as having a passion to help others, Matthew enjoys swimming in the ocean and when he was younger, had a strange obsession with vegemite and bacon sandwiches!

I am passionate about parents being empowered and supported with the right knowledge and resources to support their children through adolescence. I believe that connectedness to a safe and loving family is such a significant protective factor in young people’s lives, that it should be an absolute priority in legislation, policy, research and service provision. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the ways in which headspace plays a crucial role in this area.

 

When my oldest son was 9, we packed up and moved to Cambodia. We met the most amazing people who changed my life forever, including my beautiful husband who was brave enough to leave his home country for the first time to come and live in Australia. 

Amy is passionate about building the capacity, resilience, and literacy of people who have loved-ones experiencing difficulties with their mental health.

 

Amy has been a carer for two members of her family who experienced mental-ill health and also has a lived experience of her own.

In her role on the Family and Friends National Reference Group, Amy hopes to be a representative for siblings who are supporting family and friends through their mental ill-health.

 

Amy is currently working at at Gen Z Employment, running group programs for young people with the hope of getting them re-engaged in education, training, or employment.

 

Amy loves drawing, going to music gigs, collecting plants and spending her time at the beach. When she isn’t at the beach she is studying a Masters of Design.

I am a single parent to three boys and we live in a beautiful coastal town on the Bellarine Peninsula. In August of 2018, after a long battle with mental illness, my middle son took his life. After having supported my son through his struggles with major mental health issues I have become a passionate advocate for youth suicide prevention and ensuring that our young people can access services and resources that meet their needs at the time that they need it. I strongly believe that the involvement of a young person’s support people in their care can help improve outcomes. It is rewarding and exciting to have the opportunity to provide a lived experience perspective through involvement with this group, particularly that of caring for a young person who may be reluctant or unwilling to engage.

An interesting fact…we have lots of furry love in our house with three cats and two dogs, all except one are rescue animals. I love to garden and to do handcrafts such as quilting and embroidery. I find the craft of slow creation almost meditative – good for the mind and the soul.