Headspace Day helps destigmatise mental health by putting a face to a name for service providers in Hedland

Headspace Day helps destigmatise mental health support by showcasing service providers to the Port Hedland community, industry professionals say. The annual Headspace Day was held on Wednesday, October 4 at the South Hedland Skatepark with Mission Australia, the West Coast Eagles, and headspace Hedland in attendance among others. Headspace Hedland project lead Danica Holliday said an important step in destigmatising mental health support was introducing service providers to the community. “I think it is super-important to bring awareness to mental health in regional towns but also to highlight the service providers that are available,” she said. “People think because we are remote we don’t have anything, but we have people that care so much and really want to connect their community. “It gives an opportunity for these service providers to come out and be seen. “This gives people who are looking for help a face and someone they can recognise. “Getting help is sometimes scary but it’s not hard because these people are friendly and they are not here to judge.” Each headspace Day has a theme, and Ms Holliday said this year the event was used to launch a new mental health campaign known as Unachievys. “This year we are launching our Unachievys brand, which is basically helping young people understand that they don’t have to be perfect,” she said. “They don’t need to have a 99 ATAR or be school captain. They just have to be themself.” This was the first headspace Day since headspace Hedland opened its new office earlier this year. Mental Health Week began on Monday, October 9.