Life can be full of ups and downs and the reality is that we all know someone who is impacted with mental health concerns. Young people will often come to us in significant distress or facing other emotions they may have difficulty regulating.

Our mental health services have seen a significant increase in those with autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and other neurodiverse populations seeking support. As such, our teams have undergone specialised training in neuro-affirming care, with one of our strategic objectives this year being to prioritise the support for this population and have a dedicated space available to cater to their unique sensory needs.

At our headspace Maroochydore centre, in the last 12 months:

Our mental health services have also seen a significant increase in those with autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and other neurodiverse populations seeking support. As such, our teams have undergone specialised training in neuro-affirming care, with one of our strategic objectives this year being to prioritise the support for this population and have a dedicated space available to cater to their unique sensory needs.

Some examples of these may include sensory profiling with different therapeutic aids, somatic interventions with weighted blankets or therapods and reducing overstimulation with dimmable lights and soundproofing. Virtual reality experiences will also be made available, as research from Scientia Professor Jill Bennett from the University of New South Wales has shown the tremendous potential for VR to assist in improving mood in those experiencing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression and ADHD. In addition to the fixtures of the room, Youturn are also hoping to maintain a stock of therapeutic aids, which we are able to give out to young people for them to keep and use for themselves at times of significant overwhelm.

We are asking for your support to create a sensory space for local young people, where they are able to reduce overstimulation, and gain skills and tools to utilise themselves when they are feeling overwhelmed.

Since 2012, Youturn has provided early intervention mental health services to 12 – 25 year olds through five (5) headspace centres in South East Queensland (Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Gympie, Maroochydore and Caboolture), which are funded by three Primary Health Networks (PHN’s). headspace provides free, non-judgemental and confidential support services based in a youth friendly centre. headspace supports young people transitioning into adulthood, providing mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study support as well as alcohol and other drug interventions.

Youturn is also a provider of the Youth Enhanced Service (YES), providing care to young people aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing complex mental health conditions. The YES program has a team of clinicians and healthcare professionals who provide psychological support and other care as needed. These services are currently available in Darling Downs & West Moreton, and in the Adelaide metropolitan region.

For various reasons including the pandemic and national rental crisis, the demand for mental health services has increased, with young people struggling to find the support that they need and often facing long wait times. To meet the demand, Youturn is fundraising for additional tools and innovative solutions to complement our mental health programs to support young people.