How headspace and New Horizons are working together to champion youth mental health

Every young person deserves access to safe, inclusive and effective mental health support. At headspace, the national youth mental health foundation, supporting young people aged 12 to 25 isn’t just about services. It’s about building community, fostering connection, and giving young people the power to help shape the systems that support their wellbeing.

As part of Mental Health Month, we’re spotlighting how New Horizons works hand-in-hand with headspace to deliver these essential services, and how young people themselves are at the heart of this work.

What is headspace?

Established in 2006, headspace is Australia’s leading provider of mental health services for young people. With more than 150 centres across the country, headspace offers early intervention support for mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and drug use, and work and study challenges.

In New South Wales, New Horizons is proud to be the lead agency for headspace Ashfield, Brookvale and Chatswood, ensuring high-quality, local support that’s responsive to the needs of young people and their communities.

Meeting young people where they are
Michael Cummings is the Operations Lead at headspace and oversees the day-to-day delivery of services across the centres New Horizons supports. For Michael, the role is all about creating the conditions for his team (and the young people they support) to thrive. “My day involves leadership, support, and ensuring that our team has the resources they need to provide much-needed services for young people aged 12 to 25,” Michael says.

This includes working closely with clinicians, peer workers, and youth advocates to improve access for at-risk groups, engage with the local community, and continuously improve the services available. “The best part of my job? Hearing first-hand from young people and families about the profound difference the services have made in their lives.”

Co-design in action: Youth Reference Groups

One of the most powerful aspects of the headspace model is its commitment to youth participation. Every headspace centre has a Youth Reference Group (YRG). Each group is made up of young people who use their lived experience and local knowledge to shape the way services are delivered. These groups help design resources, advise on outreach campaigns, participate in staff training, and play an active role in centre governance. At Ashfield, Brookvale, and Chatswood, the Youth Reference Groups are actively involved in developing creative ways to engage other young people, especially those who might not traditionally reach out for help.

“Having enough resources to meet demand is tough,” he says. “But we’re always finding new ways to reach more young people, especially those who are harder to engage. It’s challenging to engage young men,” Michael explains. “The team and our Youth Reference Group are currently looking at ways to improve access and service design for young men in our communities.”

There’s also a national platform for youth leadership through the headspace Youth National Reference Group (hY NRG). This group brings together passionate young leaders from across Australia to represent the voices of their peers on a bigger scale. Members contribute to policy and program development, national campaigns, and strategic decision-making within headspace and its partner organisations.

This peer-led innovation is critical to reducing stigma, tailoring support, and building trust, continuing their impact beyond their local communities.

The power of partnership: New Horizons and headspace

As the lead agency for three headspace centres, New Horizons brings deep sector expertise, lived experience inclusion, and a commitment to person-centred care. The relationship is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared mission: to deliver better outcomes for young people and their families.

“We work as one team,” Michael says. “New Horizons brings a depth of skills and knowledge that helps us consistently improve the services we offer.”
From clinical oversight to community engagement, New Horizons supports each centre to be a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally safe space.

Whether you’re a young person looking for support, a parent worried about your teen, or someone who simply wants to learn more, headspace is here to help.

Need support or want to get involved?
Visit headspace or connect with your local centre at Ashfield, Brookvale or Chatswood.
Visit headspace

Learn more about New Horizons.

Visit New Horizons
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