headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation was honoured today to welcome Their Majesties King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark at headspace South Melbourne to discuss youth mental health and wellbeing.
Hosted by headspace CEO Jason Trethowan and Dr Tamsin Short, Executive Lead of Mental Health and Wellbeing at headspace South Melbourne*, the royal couple visited the centre to meet with young people from headspace reference groups.
"headspace data shows that 49% of people aged 12-25 are experiencing high levels of psychological distress, so it's essential that young people know support is available," Mr Trethowan said.
"I was proud today to share with the Royal couple the work headspace is doing to destigmatise help-seeking behaviour, and make support available to young people across the country, no matter where they are."
Sarthak Gandhi, Youth Advisor to the headspace National Board, said:
"It was great to meet King Frederik and Queen Mary and bring young people's perspectives into the conversation. We spoke about the importance of genuinely centring young people's voices in decision making and making sure they're meaningfully involved at every stage of policies that impact them."
Emma Pryse Jones, Youth Advisor to the headspace National Board, said:
"It was great to have the opportunity to speak with Their Majesties today. Youth mental health and wellbeing are increasingly recognised as global priorities, with young people everywhere navigating a range of evolving pressures. The visit from the Danish Royal Family underscores the growing international commitment to supporting young people and strengthening the systems that help them thrive, no matter where in the world they are."
During a guided tour of the centre, Queen Mary and King Frederik learnt about the headspace '7 tips for a healthy headspace', including staying active, nurturing relationships and doing small tasks to boost your confidence.
The visit was also an opportunity for the Danish royals to learn about Australia's recent adoption of social media restrictions for under-16-year-olds, ahead of similar restrictions being introduced by Denmark this year.
Mr Trethowan also talked about headspace's inspiration for the establishment of headspace Denmark.
"It's inspiring to know that the impact we're making in young people's lives here in Australia is helping to influence countries like Denmark. Today was a special opportunity to celebrate our 15 year collaboration, especially given Their Majesties' strong support for headspace," Mr Trethowan said.
"To date, headspace has supported more than 1 million young people, and we look forward to continuing discussions with Denmark and other nations keen to learn from our decades-long history of evidence-based mental health services and programs.
"Having Their Majesties visit a headspace centre sends a powerful message to young people: that their mental health and wellbeing matters."
* headspace South Melbourne is delivered by Lead Agency Access Health and Community
