For many young people, walking through the door at headspace Taree is one of the biggest steps they will ever take.
When they do enter, Clinical Lead Sophie Murray and the rest of the team are there to welcome them.
Since 2022, headspace Taree has supported hundreds of youth aged 12 to 25 who are going through a tough time.
“Getting the privilege and the opportunity to help young people is the thing that keeps me in the job,” Sophie says.
“They are so brave with the information they share with us and the trust they put in us.
“It feels like such an honour to be part of the process for them.
“I want to thank all of the young people who come into headspace. We love helping them, we want to help more people, and we really enjoy the work we do.”
Sophie’s role involves processing referrals and providing access to counselling or GP services.
She also checks statistics and data to ensure the team is on track and offers counselling sessions and interventions.
Some of the reasons young people visit headspace include feeling sad or depressed, stressed, anxious, angry, or due to problems with family or friends.
Sophie says headspace plays a vital role in the local community.
“We’re noticing there’s quite a high prevalence of things like domestic violence and substance use,” she says.
“We’ve also had some really unfortunate critical incidents lately around suicide and deaths of young people.
“So, I think there were really good reasons why headspace was set up here a few years ago and those reasons are still there.
“It’s important for us to keep doing the work we’re doing – helping schools, families, and connecting with other health services within the area to support the community.”
Each year, headspace Taree is involved in events like R U OK?, Wear It Purple Day, local NAIDOC activities, and CareerQuip – an exhibition that connects students, job seekers and community members with employers, training providers, and career advisors.
Over a 12-month period up until the end of June 2025, headspace Taree provided 2,437 services to young people. This was 400 more than the previous year.
It also recorded a client satisfaction of 91.3%.
Sophie says every interaction is led by the young person.
“We ask them: ‘What do you want to get from today’s appointment? What can I help you with? What do you need right now?’ It’s just about making sure it’s really focused on young people and driven by them,” she says.
“We also stick to our word. When they tell us what they want, we go and do that to the best of our ability.
“We’re always getting feedback and hearing what we can do better.”
According to Sophie, COVID-19, summer bushfires and the recent flood crisis have combined to create a “cumulative effect” on many youth in Taree and surrounding communities.
While the past few years have brought many challenges, she says headspace Taree offers hope of a new beginning.
The centre – which is supported by lead agency Samaritans, as well as headspace National and the Primary Health Network – is a place where young people can flourish.
“We want to bring them to a place where they can amplify their voices. Our job is to help them shine, feel valued, and do what they want to do,” Sophie says.
“Young people in the area all have thoughts, opinions, beliefs, and dreams.
“They just may not have the place to come and get that amplified if headspace did not exist.”
Visit headspace Taree’s website or Facebook page for more information.