Headspace Karratha unveils new mural to promote Mental Health Awareness Month

Seven tips to aid mental wellbeing now adorn the Karratha City Shopping Centre as part of a new mural, unveiled by headspace in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Revealed at a free community event to celebrate Headspace Day on October 5, the mural intends to empower young people in the Pilbara to practise self-care and encourage those struggling to reach out for help. The mural is an artistic display of seven tips for a healthy mind, each with painted figures representing people taking care of their mental health; including staying active, connecting with family and friends, eating well and getting enough sleep. Headspace, which began in 2006 is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation which has provided early intervention mental health services to young people aged 12 to 25 years old. Each year they help thousands of young people, their families and friends access vital support in more than 154 communities across Australia which includes online and phone counselling services, vocational services, and their presence in schools. The community wellbeing mural was created in collaboration with Sarah Roots from BLB Creative and the Headspace youth advisory group. “I came up with the design concept paying homage to pop art legend Keith Haring. We thought that it would be immediately recognisable, It would be full of life and engaging for the local community,” she said. “We implemented a few design tricks by keeping the details quite subtle so it encourages people to come and engage with the mural itself. “It is quite meaningful in that it represents specific items within the Pilbara such as fishing, camping, and boating. The local youth gave us feedback that they do these activities to keep a healthy headspace themselves.” The mural was financially assisted by Karratha City Shopping Centre’s pilot community grant program.