New headspace centres opening

headspace centres are a place where young people can get help for a range of health issues, including mental health and alcohol and other drug problems. New headspace centres have recently opened in Hobart, Bendigo, Parramatta and Collingwood. Centres in Nundah, Perth, Cairns, Shoalhaven, Brisbane South and Norlunga will also soon open their doors. To learn more about headspace centres and to find out if there is a centre near you click here

2012 Young Australian of the year – Marita Chang

Each year our nation celebrates the achievements and contributions of eminent Aussies through the Australian of the Year Awards. Through their achievements they inspire and challenge us to create a better Australia. The Young Australian of the Year Award recognises those aged 16 to 30 who are outstanding and exceptional young Australians. Marita Cheng has demonstrated vision and leadership well beyond her years and is dedicated to encouraging young women to become interested in a career in engineering. Read more about Marita and the other 2012 Australian of the Year recipients here

Safer Internet Day

Do you behave safely online? Protect your privacy? Know about cyber bullying? Feb7 was Safer Internet Day – a great chance to clue up on all things webby. Check out the official Safer Internet Day site here or find out more about cyber bullying, tips to overcome it, and support at http://www.headspace.org.au/is-it-just-me/find-information/cyberbullying

Want to get involved and help out?

There are many ways you can help Youthbeyondblue such as volunteering or fundraising. We encourage young people to get involved and help raise awareness of depression, anxiety and related disorders. If this sounds like fun, find out more here. http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=104.

Supporting yourself after a natural disaster

headspace has developed new fact sheets and videos to assist young people who have experienced a disaster. The fact sheets and videos cover topics such as common reactions to a disaster, grief, trauma, and what parents can do to support their child.

• Check out the ‘Supporting yourself after a natural disaster’ fact sheet and video here
• View the ‘Grief’ fact sheet and video here

For parents, check out Supporting young people after a disaster, trauma or grief.

Confidentiality - what you need to know fact sheet

Sometimes you don’t want anyone to know that something is wrong. While this might change over time, you shouldn’t let it stop you from getting help. You can get medical treatment without your parents, friends or anyone else finding out about it. Have a look at our new Getting Help for Depression and Anxiety: Confidentiality and Costs fact sheet which talks about confidentiality and the cost of seeing a doctor.

UN Youth Australia

The United Nations Youth Association aims to encourage young people to strive towards a greater understanding of the global issues that are affecting us all, and to develop students’ skills in areas such as debating, negotiation, leadership, problem-solving and understanding of international affairs. There are divisions in each state and territory and heaps of great projects and campaigns you can get involved in! Check out all the latest new, activities and opportunities at www.unyouth.org.au

Headroom – healthy minds cre8te healthy lives

Headroom provides mental health information to empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. There is loads of information for children and young people (plus parents and professionals), including tips on dealing with bullying, handling stress and boosting self-esteem. There is also a list of helpful services in South Australia. Visit www.headroom.net.au

Going through a tough time?

Aged between 12-25? headspace can help.  You can email, chat online or talk to qualified youth mental health professionals. Log on to http://www.headspace.org.au/ between 1pm and 1am AEST or call 1800 650 890 between 10pm and 1pm AEST for confidential and anonymous mental health support. Or for more info visit the headspace website.

Black Dog - educating the community online

The Black Dog Institute has a range of online education modules looking at depression and bipolar disorder. The online presentations provide a chance to hear from Black Dog Institute experts, as well as insights from individuals living with depression or bipolar disorder. You will need a broadband internet connection and audio to access the presentations, but why not  check them out!

De-clutter your mind & boost your mood

Many of us tend to get caught up with the busy-ness of life from time to time; there’s school, maybe a causal job, friends and family commitments - just to name a few!  So sometimes, we really need to pay attention to what’s happening in the present moment and distance ourselves from mental “clutter” and not worry about various things over which we have no control. This can also help to improve your mood. A good way to get started is to think about and appreciate the little things around you, like the taste and smell of hot buttered toast or the love and loyalty of pets. Find out more ways to let your other thoughts go on the Biteback website.

Better Health Channel iPhone app

Have you ever wanted to learn more about certain medical conditions, treatments or locate your local health service in Victoria?  Or maybe you were interested in getting first aid essentials and important health advice. Well now you can locate this information anywhere, anytime by downloading the free Better Heath Channel iPhone app. To find out more, click here.

Create a Better Story

The Create a Better Story campaign encourages young people to share their story, to seek help early, and get their lives back on track. As one in four young people aged 16 to 24 experiences mental health problems - and 75% do not seek the help they need - it important to share our stories to help others who may be going through a similar experience. To view the stories or to share yours, click here.

How to be more ‘cybersmart’

An initiative of the Federal Government, Cybersmart provides activities, resources and practical advice to help kids, teens and their parents safely enjoy the online world. Cybersmart also offers training and resources for schools and libraries. In the teen section, there is a great short film called Tagged - which deals with the issues of cyberbullying, digital reputation and sexting. Check it out at www.cybersmart.gov.au/tagged

Wakakirri National Story Week - its coming!

The inaugural Wakakirri National Story Week will be held from 7-11 November. During National Story Week the 2011 edition of Wakakirri Biggest Book of Short Stories Ever! will be officially launched. There will also be TV specials aired and a DVD featuring the outstanding works of schools that participated in Wakakirri High, Outback and Primary Festivals will be sent to schools all around Australia. To find out more, visit www.wakakirri.com.

Movember – it starts today!

During the next month, you might hear the normally clean-shaven, well-presented men in your lives talking about their handlebar, connoisseur or trucker. What are they talking about? It’s their moustaches for Movember of course! Today is the day that men across Australia stop shaving their faces and embark on a mo-growing mission to raise awareness of men’s health issues, particularly depression and prostate cancer. To sign up for Movember, either by growing your own mo, joining a team or supporting a Mo Bro, go to www.movember.com.