Inspiring a sense of belonging and connection to help overcome the difficult times

As part of the headspace national Take a Step campaign, headspace Strathpine invited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to enjoy a day to celebrate connection to country and culture.

The aim was for these young people in the local community to feel pride and learn how to embrace their culture - to ultimately help them with their mental health.

Preston Campbell, Deadly Choices Ambassador at headspace Strathpine said it’s important for everyone, regardless of age, to be able to share thoughts and feelings around mental health.

“A lot of us, we don’t talk too much about mental health – what it looks like, what it feels like – and I think that’s where the issue lies in our communities,” he said.

“Because we don’t talk about it enough we don’t understand it, so when something does come up we struggle with that and tend to find more negative ways to deal with it.

“When we talk about mental health, a big part of us being happy as people is knowing we’re with other people.

“We talk a lot about culture and tradition and customs but for me the biggest thing – the most important thing – is that sense of belonging and the connection.”

Indigenous sports stars – like Preston Campbell, Willie Tonga and Dakota Davidson – also came along to join in the fun and activities.

The entire supply chain for the day was also entirely Indigenous owned and operated - including the bus driver, caterer, videographer and those who delivered the services. Participants commented on how this assisted them to feel culturally safe.

Brisbane North PHN funds youth mental health services that provide psychological intervention to children, young adults and their families. Find out more.