headspace campaign empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

headspace Darwin and headspace Katherine are proud to join with communities across Australia in a landmark campaign that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to take charge of their social and emotional wellbeing.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 24 and under are three times more likely than other young people to die by suicide. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory has the highest rate of suicide in the country. Responding to this urgent need for support, the ‘Take a Step’ suite of resources encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to recognise the signs that’s something’s not right – and provides small, practical steps towards feeling better.

The materials have been developed in partnership with community members from across Australia, including a reference group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people with lived experience of mental ill-health.

Anglicare NT offers mental health and wellbeing support through headspace centres in Darwin and Katherine. Listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and responding to community needs is a crucial part of our work.

The current lockdown could be a potential trigger for young people, but support is available. Both headspace Darwin and headspace Katherine are continuing to safely deliver services at the hubs and online.

If you, or someone you know, is going through a tough time, you can contact:

• headspace Darwin: 8931 5999
• headspace Katherine: 8912 4000
• NT Mental Health Line: 1800 682 288

To learn more, visit headspace.org.au/takeastep.

Reference
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring/data/populations-age-groups/suicide-indigenous-australians