Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay now providing culturally safe care for young people

Located on Kabi Kabi lands in North Brisbane, this service will enhance mental health literacy, increase help-seeking behaviours and offer support to reduce suicidal and psychological distress in young people, particularly First Nations young people.

The centre delivers culturally safe mental health support, on Country, for those aged 10 to 25 who are experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental health concerns.

Nationally, suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain more than double those of non-Indigenous Australians, with almost 80 per cent of deaths occurring among people aged 15 to 44, highlighting the need for culturally grounded youth services.

Commissioned by Brisbane North PHN and delivered in partnership with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, the service provides mental health, physical and sexual healthcare, alcohol and drug counselling and work and study support.

Officially opened by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon Emma McBride, the centre brings to life a new model of care shaped by culture, community and the voices of young people who wanted a service that felt like their own.

Young people can access a broad range of supports at the centre, including:

• specialist mental health clinicians
• care coordinators with lived experience
• cultural connection programs and community led activities
• pathways to education, training and employment
• early intervention support for mild to moderate mental health concerns.

The centre’s workforce includes identified Indigenous positions, helping young people see themselves reflected in their care team and strengthening trust and mental health literacy across families and communities.

For GPs, as the first point of contact for many young people experiencing distress, the Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay offers a clinically robust, culturally grounded referral pathway for those who may not feel comfortable in mainstream services.

As highlighted by co-authors Ivan Lin, Charmaine Green and Dawn Bessarab in their article 'Yarn with me’: applying clinical yarning to improve clinician–patient communication in Aboriginal healthcare, effective communication is a critical factor in delivering quality care for First Nations peoples. The principles of clinical yarning underpin the culturally safe work of the centre.

Unlike mainstream services, Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay replaces formal intake processes with a 'connection yarn’ to build rapport, trust and understanding from the first conversation.

Once established, this connection sets the tone for future interaction where listening occurs, and power is shared between the client and the practitioner.

Accessing care in a community-led setting can be transformative. The Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay model prioritises strengths, identity, resilience and connection, which are factors known to support long-term wellbeing.

“Brisbane North PHN is proud to celebrate this significant milestone with the opening the Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay which will be delivered by First Nations people for First Nations young people in the Moreton Bay region.

The Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay represents so much more than a new centre — it is a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people can feel seen, supported, and empowered. This wouldn’t be possible without our partnership with IUIH – who will deliver this important service, and the commitment of headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation.

As a PHN we are committed to ensuring young people have access to care that respects culture, strengthens identity, and supports their social and emotional wellbeing,” said Libby Dunstan, Brisbane North PHN CEO.

The establishment of the centre marks a significant milestone for the region, placing culture at the centre of care so First Nations young people can access the right support, in the right place, in the right way.

Clients can walk in or call the centre with no referral required. Practitioners can meet young people at the centre or out in Community—the choice is theirs.

The centre is located 657-659 Deception Bay Road, Deception Bay and is open Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. The centre can be contacted on 07 3364 7324.

Learn more: headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/deception-bay