headspace Ballarat

26/10/2026

Today, Ballarat came together for an important conversation about the future of youth mental health care in our region.

Young people, carers, mental health leaders, community organisations and decision-makers joined us to discuss what’s working, where the gaps remain and what our community needs next.

We were privileged to hear from Professor Pat McGorry, alongside local lived and living experience voices and leaders from across our mental health system.

The message was clear...
Ballarat is ready for a Youth Specialist Care Centre.

There remains a critical gap between community-based mental health support and hospital care for young people experiencing more complex mental health challenges. A specialist centre in Ballarat would help provide the right care, closer to home, when young people need it most.

And today's conversation is only one step.

Over the coming days, we’ll share a summary of the forum, including some of the key themes and ideas raised, through our website and social channels.

We also encourage our community to look out for local media coverage in the days ahead. We thank our local media for continuing to elevate the voices and urgency behind this important issue and helping keep youth mental health on the agenda.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their voice, experience and expertise today.

16/10/2026

If you find that over the weekend you or someone you know, is in need of support, please consider the following supports:

headspace's 7 Tips for a Healthy headspace offer a number of day-to-day and achievable strategies to try to help you look after your health
https://headspace.org.au/tips/

For immediate supports for yourself or someone you know, please get in touch with:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Su***de Callback Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

There are a number of things you can do to help you look after and maintain your mental health and wellbeing.

14/10/2026

That’s a wrap from us for headspace Day!

Remember, it only take 10 minutes to do nothing* for your mental health, to pause, reflect, and reset 💚

14/10/2026

Today is headspace Day! 💚

This year, we're encouraging young people to make space for something that can be easy to overlook: doing nothing*.
With so much pressure to keep doing, achieving and adding more to their lives, it's important to remind young people that taking time to pause, recharge and reset is important for their mental health and wellbeing.

Whether you're a parent, family member, carer, educator or someone supporting a young person, take the opportunity this headspace Day to do nothing* together and help them discover the importance of slowing down.

Find out how you can get involved this headspace Day: https://bit.ly/3TNfSef

28/09/2026

Join us for a Social Badminton Afternoon for LGBTIQA+ young people and friends aged 12-25.

This free event is all about having fun, meeting others, and enjoying a friendly game or two, regardless of your skill level.

Places are limited and registration is required.
Sign up now to secure your spot!
https://events.humanitix.com/come-and-try-badminton-avr4j5dh

15/09/2026

headspace Ballarat will be closed tomorrow, and reopen Thursday the 17th.

Please note all B*H sites will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday 16th September, for a staff training day.

🩺Urgent Care and After-hours Services:
• The Ballarat Urgent Care Clinic (UCC): Open daily 9am - 11pm. Level 1, 1010 Sturt St, Ballarat Central.
• Medical emergencies: Call 000 or go to your local Emergency Department - Grampians Health Ballarat or St John of God Hospital.

💙 Additional Support Services:
• Alcohol and other drugs: 24-hour support service. Call 1800 888 236 or www.directline.org.au
• Lifeline: Call 131 114 or Text 0477 131 114

All sites will reopen Thursday 17th September.

14/09/2026

Join us for a Social Badminton Afternoon for LGBTIQA+ young people and friends aged 12-25.

This free event is all about having fun, meeting others, and enjoying a friendly game or two, regardless of your skill level.
Places are limited and registration is required.

Sign up now to secure your spot!
https://events.humanitix.com/come-and-try-badminton-avr4j5dh

09/09/2026

R U OK? A conversation could change a life.

💛 Trust your gut. Ask R U OK?

Sometimes we notice that someone we care about just isn’t themselves. They might seem more withdrawn, agitated, overwhelmed or simply different from their usual self.

If you notice a change, trust your gut and start a conversation.
By gently mentioning what you’ve noticed, you can give a friend, family member or colleague the opportunity to open.

If they’re not OK, listen, support them and encourage them to take a positive next step. And if they are OK, they’ll know you care enough to ask.

You don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. Being there, listening without judgement and checking in can make a difference.

💬 Notice a change? Don’t ignore the feeling. Ask the question but before you do make sure, you have time, patience, a safe space and keep the approach simple:

💬 1. Ask R U OK? — Start the conversation and let them know you care.
👂2. Listen with an open mind — Give them your full attention without judgement or rushing to fix things.
💛 3. Encourage action — Help them think about practical steps and support that might make things easier.
🔄 4. Check in — Follow up and show them you’re still there for them.

R U OK?Day is held on the second Thursday in September every year. But any day is the day to ask R U OK?

31/08/2026

Hello Parents and Carers,

Did you know about our mental health workshops for parents and carers?

Our regular mental health workshops are delivered online for parents and carers and cover the following topics:

Understand mental health and adolescent development
Understand young people's emotions
Support young people to manage their emotions
Where to seek support for you and your young people

Webinars are one hour and run regularly during school terms.

Upcoming webinars include:

Transitioning from primary to secondary school

- Tuesday 20 October 2026, 7pm - 8pm AEDT
- Thursday 22 October 2026, 8pm - 9pm AEDT

Transitioning out of secondary school - dates to be determined.

For more information about the primary and secondary sessions, including upcoming dates, you can contact [email protected]

https://headspace.org.au/services/family/mental-health-workshops-for-parents/