Time to Pause, Reflect & Connect
Mental health awareness is important at any time of the year, but it particularly comes into the spotlight in October when we recognise World Mental Health Month, with a special emphasis on World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Sportsgirl is a proud partner of youth mental health support network headspace and is active in amplifying the theme “Pause, Reflect, Connect”.
Daniel Knapp, Executive Director First Nations Wellbeing and Engagement at headspace, says the partnership with Sportsgirl has been foundational to their mission of improving cultural safety, cultural responsiveness, and removing barriers to access to headspace services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their communities.
“Sportsgirl’s consistent investment gives us the flexibility to explore innovative and culturally informed approaches to supporting First Nations young people and build trust and increase awareness of our services,” he says.
“It has been integral to building meaningful relationships with First Nations communities and experts, enabling us to continue our efforts in co-designing culturally appropriate and innovative services. This partnership has allowed headspace to aspire towards leadership within the mainstream youth mental health sector by demonstrating how collaboration with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations can support self-determination. Together, we are working to honor First Nations' ways of knowing, being, and doing, setting a strong example for others to follow in creating culturally safe, responsive services.”
Leah Summers, Manager Director Sportsgirl, says partnering with headspace is part of the brand’s purpose and the broader Sussan Group core values.
“It is very important that we make a difference in young people’s lives. We believe that it is important to commit and support the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people,” she says.
“We believe we can help shape a better future by partnering with experts in this space and making a social impact.”
Each year, headspace provides early intervention mental health services to more than 100,000 young people aged 12-25, as well as their families and their friends. Since its inception, more than 900,000 young people have accessed services. The headspace model has been so successful it is now a global leader in youth-centric design and has inspired widespread reform in youth mental health primary care across the world.
Daniel says meaningful connections are the key to valuable support, services and a greater understanding of oneself and others.
“Whether it’s connections with loved ones, community, colleagues, supports and services, Country, or even yourself, these connections play a crucial role in our mental well-being. For World Mental Health Day, we are celebrating these meaningful connections and raising awareness about how they can help us achieve good mental health,” he says.
Leah says the partnership with headspace is made possible by the incredible support and commitment from Sportsgirl staff and customers.
“It is through all of our team members and customers that Sportsgirl is able to support headspace with their important work in our community,” she says.