Aboriginal youth peer support worker now available at headspace onkaparinga

Want to talk to someone who’s been there?

Young people who have experienced mental health challenges and accessed services have a wealth of personal experience, knowledge and wisdom that can be utilised to support other people experiencing similar circumstances.

This is called Peer Support, and headspace Onkaparinga is committed to training and supporting young people to be part of its Youth Peer Support Workforce: to contribute their valuable skills and experience within the centre, and to provide support to other young people from the perspective of someone who has “been there”.

headspace Onkaparinga is delighted to welcome Liam Kilner to the team. Liam works as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peer Support Worker to provide individual and group support to people who are experiencing social and emotional wellbeing difficulties.

Kathryn Gratton, headspace Onkaparinga Centre Coordinator explains “Liam’s position has added an extra dimension of support for young people accessing the Centre. Liam is a proud Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna man and an emerging leader within community who brings a high level of skill, warmth and ability to the role; we are so proud to have him as part of our team.”

“As someone who has experienced mental health challenges and recovery, through my own lived experience, I am able to guide, support and mentor young people through their own challenges,” said Liam.

Liam promotes hope and optimism about recovery and supports young people to engage with the headspace service.

“As part of my role, I also help to strengthen the relationships with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and provide a culturally safe and appropriate service,” he added.

Youth Peer Support Workers help young people at headspace in lots of others ways, including;

• Helping young people to feel welcomed and to learn about what’s on offer at headspace;
• Normalising and de-stigmatising having mental health problems and getting some help;
• Sharing their own personal story and experiences with others;
• Answering questions, providing information and resources like fact sheets;
• Supporting young people to get involved in headspace activities, groups and events;
• Providing guidance and helpful suggestions based on the things they’ve learned.

If you have a lot going on and need some support, visit headspace.org.au/onkaparinga and complete our online referral form to access the headspace service.

Alternatively, visit yarnsafe.org.au for tips on handling mental health and wellbeing, stress and pressure, relationships and difficulties with alcohol and drugs.

headspace Onkaparinga is operated by Sonder. All headspace services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. Administration of funding is carried out by the headspace centre’s local Primary Health Network, in this case, Adelaide (Adelaide PHN).