A multifunctional, multi fun 'safe space' has been created at Headspace Griffith for the teens and young adults of the community.
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The room has been designed with fun in mind as well as providing an environment where visitors can have easy access to trained counsellors to seek any support they may need.
Stocked with comfortable furniture, games, consoles and more, the room is open to all the youth of the community, including those who are not currently utilising Headspaces services.
Community Engagement and Awareness Officer at Headspace Griffith Jessica Sturgess said she was excited to see young people start to use the room and engage.
"This space is anything attendees want it or need it to be," Miss Sturgess said.
"It will be constantly growing and evolving and we hope to remove the hesitation youth may feel about visiting us and see them become more encouraged."
According to Miss Sturgess, the space isn't strictly clinical so whilst support is on hand for those who need someone to speak to, it is also a place where youth can just hang out with their peers and make new ones.
"It's a place where they will be able to come and hang out and have some fun," Miss Sturgess said.
"We will also be running activities and a variety of skills and mental health based programs."
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The first workshop scheduled for the room will be a creative session with Tambourine Art Studio.
"The purpose of the safe space is that young people will be able to drop in and attend workshops or support programs run by Headspace staff," Miss Sturgess said.
Programs such as RAGE will also be held in the room with the addition of a few other support groups.
According to Miss Sturgess, the current vision for the room is for it to be open for use between 9am and 7pm on Mondays and Thursday and 9am to 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
"We expected after school to be the busiest period for the room when kids will come down to hang and chill out together," Miss Sturgess said.
"The biggest barrier we face is getting young people in the door based up the apprehension they may feel about seeing a councillor.
"But this is a safe space and is open to all."
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