Two new social support groups have been established by headspace Bundaberg specifically for young parents and the gaming cohort.
Finn Nicholas, 20, is a member of the headspace Bundaberg Youth Engagement Committee and a young mother to Alaska, 11 months and twin boys, age 4.
When Ms Nicholas was pregnant with Alaska, she realised there was nowhere to connect and feel supported.
“I talked to lots of friends, especially young parents, to see what they were feeling, many of them saying they felt socially isolated and suggesting that a connection place such as headspace would be a great start,” she said.
“As young parents we can have loads of questions, but its also good to know there are others out there with similar experiences.
“When we can just get together and chill out, I feel there’s a shared understanding and a sense of community.”
Ms Nicholas said she had enjoyed working with headspace to bring together new support programs.
“headspace always embrace the needs of the local community, and in particular the young people,” she said.
“Working alongside headspace to bring our group together has been a great experience, and to know there is mental health support and a doctor available is a fantastic outcome.”
Baby Space will will meet fortnightly from Friday October 1 between 11am and 1pm at headspace Bundaberg.
It is free to attend, and both parents are welcome, so long as one is under 25 years of age.
Please ensure all persons are feeling well before attending.
This is a social connect group, which will be led by the headspace youth team alongside the support of other local services.
Healthy gaming the focus of new headspace support group
The team at headspace Bundaberg have also teamed up with The Hordian Guild, a small local gaming group, to bring a focus on healthy gaming.
Community and Youth Engagement Officer at headspace Bundaberg Cristel Simmonds said young people were keen to participate.
“Game Space is all about gaming, of course, but it also offers young people the opportunity to connect, share ideas, learn new games, and well, have a heap of fun,” Mrs Simmonds said.
“Gaming is a part of life for many young people, and yes it can become problematic if it goes too far, but with our focus on sharing healthy gaming tips, young people can meet up in a safe place and feel confident knowing they can game with like-minded people.
“The groups we run at headspace are always developed by young people for young people, it is what they want and need, they are the voice behind all we do at headspace.”
Game Space will be held fortnightly on a Monday afternoon between 5.30 and 8 pm at headspace Bundaberg, 66 Woongarra Street.
For information on either group, contact the centre on 4152 3931 or email headspacebundaberg@youturn.org.au
