Stronger You: Culturally Safe Pathways to Work, Study, and Wellbeing
Tracks
MARQUIS ROOM - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 1:10 PM - 1:40 PM |
Overview
Ella Birchall, headspace
Presenter
Miss Ella Birchall
Work And Study Coordinator
headspace
Stronger You: Culturally Safe Pathways to Work, Study, and Wellbeing
Presentation Overview
headspace, Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, provides early intervention mental health services to young people aged 12–25, both in person and online. Over the past 11 years, headspace has delivered almost 2 million services to young people, as well as to their families and friends. As leaders in youth mental health, we understand the challenges and barriers young people face, including those related to work and study.
In response to the unique needs of young people across the mental health continuum, headspace has expanded its Work and Study supports nationwide accessible both face-to-face and online. In this session, we explore how Work and Study Online has embedded culturally safe practices to support First Nations young people in achieving their work and study goals.
Our approach not only strengthens mental health and wellbeing, but also builds purpose, skills, and future opportunities. At the heart of our model is the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Wheel, which we have adapted into the “Stronger You Method.” This culturally affirming framework supports young people in ways that honor identity, cultural belonging, and holistic wellbeing.
By embedding these principles into our service delivery, we create meaningful, culturally safe outcomes empowering First Nations young people to thrive in their work, study, and life journeys.
Through real-world case studies, we highlight how young people engage with programs shaped by the SEWB framework. These stories show how culturally safe support can help overcome challenges, while reinforcing the protective power of staying connected to Culture and Country.
Participants will also gain access to updated resources that embed these holistic approaches and see how our multidisciplinary team, led by a First Nations Advisor, is transforming systems to ensure First Nations young people receive support that is welcoming, safe, and culturally appropriate.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Culturally safe support is essential for positive outcomes
2. Connection to Country and Country strengthens wellbeing
3. Holistic, Multidisciplinary models are transforming support systems
In response to the unique needs of young people across the mental health continuum, headspace has expanded its Work and Study supports nationwide accessible both face-to-face and online. In this session, we explore how Work and Study Online has embedded culturally safe practices to support First Nations young people in achieving their work and study goals.
Our approach not only strengthens mental health and wellbeing, but also builds purpose, skills, and future opportunities. At the heart of our model is the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Wheel, which we have adapted into the “Stronger You Method.” This culturally affirming framework supports young people in ways that honor identity, cultural belonging, and holistic wellbeing.
By embedding these principles into our service delivery, we create meaningful, culturally safe outcomes empowering First Nations young people to thrive in their work, study, and life journeys.
Through real-world case studies, we highlight how young people engage with programs shaped by the SEWB framework. These stories show how culturally safe support can help overcome challenges, while reinforcing the protective power of staying connected to Culture and Country.
Participants will also gain access to updated resources that embed these holistic approaches and see how our multidisciplinary team, led by a First Nations Advisor, is transforming systems to ensure First Nations young people receive support that is welcoming, safe, and culturally appropriate.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Culturally safe support is essential for positive outcomes
2. Connection to Country and Country strengthens wellbeing
3. Holistic, Multidisciplinary models are transforming support systems
Biography
Bio not provided
