headspace Capalaba marks 10 years supporting youth mental health

Congratulations to the headspace Capalaba team on celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of providing vital, youth‑friendly mental health and wellbeing support to thousands of young people and families across the Redlands and bayside communities.

Since opening in 2016, headspace Capalaba, operated by Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ), has delivered almost 45,000 occasions of service to more than 9,000 young people. Demand has increased steadily as presentations become more complex and diverse.

WMQ CEO Jude Emmer attended an event to mark the anniversary along with local MP Henry Pike, WMQ executives and mental health team members and external partners. Jude said headspace Capalaba had become a safe, trusted and welcoming place for young people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

The growth we've seen in service demand is a clear signal that young people are facing increasing pressures, but it also shows they know where to turn for help.

Over the past decade, headspace Capalaba has seen a strong increase in engagement from diverse communities.

The proportion of First Nations young people accessing the service has grown from 6 per cent in 2016 to 13 per cent today, while young people from CALD backgrounds have increased from 5 per cent to 13 per cent. Representation of LGBTIQA+ young people has also risen significantly, particularly since 2021, now averaging over 25 per cent of clients.

"We are incredibly proud of how inclusive headspace Capalaba has become," Ms Emmer said. "These figures reflect years of intentional work to build cultural safety, decolonise our practices, and ensure every young person feels seen, respected and supported when they walk through the door."

Current headspace Capalaba client and Youth Advisory Group member Mark generously spoke about how the team had supported him through a difficult time, sharing how certain staff members had helped him turn his life around. It was touching to hear that through his experience with headspace, Mark had been inspired to pursue a career in mental health.

WMQ General Manager Mental Health Bianca Scheepers said that for staff, the most meaningful outcomes are often seen in everyday moments.

For our team, the impact of headspace Capalaba is seen in the small but powerful changes that happen over time.

Bianca continued: "It might be a young person feeling safe enough to come back for a second appointment, reconnecting with school or family, building confidence, or taking the next step toward study, work or independence. Those moments matter deeply."

As it enters its second decade, headspace Capalaba is focused on expanding outreach to the southern Moreton Bay Islands, strengthening connections with First Nations young people, and launching a School Leaver Transition Project designed to support emotional wellbeing during the often uncertain move beyond secondary school.

We remain committed to walking alongside young people, families and communities; listening, adapting and responding to what young people need, when they need it.

Well done to the headspace Capalaba team on 10 years of making a real difference in the lives of young people.