NSW Mental Health Month: Headspace music program hits right note for mental health in Lismore, Tweed
A northern NSW creative is helping dozens of young singers, songwriters and actors with their first big break – and he’s doing it all for mental health. Here’s how you can get involved.
Lismore
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lismore. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A northern NSW creative is helping dozens of young singers, songwriters and actors with their first big break – and he’s doing it all for mental health.
Vincent “Vinnie” McManus runs a music and media program in his role as a group facilitator with Tweed Heads and Lismore Headspace.
He says the initiative, coinciding with this month’s NSW Mental Health Month and the National Headspace Day on October 10, has the potential to change lives.
This year’s Headspace theme – Pause. Reflect. Reconnect – encourages young people to find balance amid life’s challenges by reconnecting to things that bring joy.
McManus said music in particular allowed young people to engage in creative expression and define who they are and their place in the world.
“It can bring about a wonderful sense of confidence and achievement,” he said.
His studio has supported more than 30 budding artists so far this year.
“When you pull off a good song with someone who was feeling quite broken, and you create something so beautiful … it is wonderful. You watch them grow this confidence in themselves,” Mr McManus said.
The program also includes free counselling sessions.
Lismore singer/songwriter Mia French has participated in Headspace’s music program for several years.
She said the program was “perfect” for her and she found it helpful to find someone to talk who would listen and understand.
“I was able to record and produce my own original songs in a professional studio which was an amazing opportunity and something I had never had the chance to do before,” Ms French said.
Headspace senior manager Sim Balzer said it was encouraging to see youth accessing support.
“This integrated, multifaceted approach to care places the young person’s interests and strengths at the heart of the support, which is what makes it so effective.”
Balzer said anytime is the right time to seek support.
Got a news tip? email catherine.piltz@news.com.au
Python panic: ‘Anaconda sized’ snake on the loose
A massive “anaconda sized” python is on the loose on the Qld-NSW border, with its owners keen to see their sneaky family pet slither back home.
Police taser alleged knife-wielding DV offender
A man has been tasered by police and slapped with a raft of charges after he allegedly came at officers with a knife following a pursuit in the state’s north. Here’s the latest.