headspace visits Borroloola

headspace Darwin welcomed the recent opportunity to visit Borroloola and MacArthur River Mine (MRM) to provide community awareness and mental health focused information and activities. Headspace Darwin participated in the MacArthur River Mine’s annual Healthy Living Program and held a stall at the Borroloola Show.

headspace Darwin community engagement staff Heidi Walsh and Sharnie Roberts attended the MRM Healthy Living Program, held over a week in June. The program’s theme was ‘look out for your mate’, with a focus on mental health. headspace Darwin held a stall and conducted a large consultation with MRM workers on mental health for young people, team work, fly-in fly-out (FIFO) work, referral pathways and yarnsafe. Staff also spent time with the MRM Indigenous trainee program and their support staff. Mining staff engaged well with the session and informal discussions, and it was a thought provoking and enriching experience for staff. The insights gained on the challenges and benefits of working away from home will assist in headspace’s future work with young FIFO’s.

While in the region, headspace Darwin also held a stall at the Borroloola Show. The stall promoted positive mental health and wellbeing through activities such as colouring stations for mindfulness and discussions around keeping mentally healthy and supporting friends. The eheadspace service was promoted to youth living remotely who have limited access to services and staff also provided information about headspace School Support. Our staff made good connections with local community members, the local school and the clinic. Sharnie was even invited to be a judge for one of the show competition!

headspace Darwin at the Boroloola Show

Sharnie and Heidi at the MacArthur River Mine