Dora Houpis
Youth facing mental health issues will benefit following a $5000 Westfield grant to headspace.
Emily Unity, 25, who received the grant as a finalist in Westfield’s Local Heroes awards announced last month said she was donating the money to headspace’s “Visible” program.
“I have been volunteering with them (headspace) for over 10 years across different states and localities in different capacities,” she said.
“ I have loved my work as a peer worker and ambassador, but “Visible” is definitely my favourite project so far.”
Ms Unity, who is neurodiverse and comes from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, said the “Visible” program benefited young people as it linked them and artists to create artworks that highlighted the diversity of mental health.
She said being a finalist still felt surreal and it offered exciting opportunities to help more young people.
Ms Unity currently works with headspace at a national capacity, but used to be a peer worker across Melbourne’s north and west, including headspace Sunshine.
“As a peer worker, I worked alongside young people through their mental health challenges and recovery, “ she said.
“ It was brilliant to work locally with young people who I related to on a personal level.”
