The Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA®) is pleased to announce a partnership with headspace. The partnership is focused on building the health promotion capacity of the mental health workforce to deliver on the aims of the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030.
This partnership forms part of AHPA’s work funded under the Australian Government’s Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Program 2022-2025. The partnership supports headspace’s Community Awareness and Engagement workforce to develop skills in planning, implementing and evaluating health promotion interventions by participating in Curtin University’s health promotion short course. Community Awareness and Engagement workers from across Australia are participating in the health promotion short course, commencing August 2023.
“We are excited about our partnership with headspace, and the opportunity to expand health promotion education and training to those working in the mental health sector. Workforce development and capacity building are strategic priorities for AHPA, and we have a clear remit under our peak body funding to enhance health promotion capacity nationally across key sectors, including mental health. We look forward to working with headspace during this initial partnership involving eight Community Awareness and Engagement workers and building their workforce capacity to deliver a healthy, equitable Australia.”
Dr Gemma Crawford, AHPA President
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. headspace supports young people with mental health, physical health, alcohol and other drug services, as well as work and study support. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people, and their families, access vital support through headspace services in over 154 communities across Australia, online and phone counselling services, vocational services, and a presence in schools.
“We're excited to be partnering with the Australian Health Promotion Association to provide training for our Community Awareness and Engagement staff. This role is a vital part of headspace centres, enabling them to connect with young people and family in their local communities to build mental health literacy and tackle the stigma around mental health, and this training will help to make their work even more effective.”
Simon Dodd, Head of Workforce Development and Planning, headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation"With ever-changing community needs, I believe health promotion principles are essential when it comes to planning and evaluating initiatives. The short course presents an amazing opportunity to skill up in an area that will help us implement more effective and holistic approaches to engaging with our local population.”
Marwa Kechtban, Community Awareness and Engagement worker, headspace Bankstown
Download the full Media Statement here.
More information: Rebecca Zosel, AHPA - Tel. 0409 192 357 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..