Craigieburn’s headspace has been nationally recognised for its outstanding contribution to student placement programs.
Craigieburn headspace centre manager, Nadya Fullerton, said she was excited to accept the award that celebrates her team.
“It’s really quite lovely for the staff, because they’re the ones that support the students,” she said.
Ms Fullerton said the centre is going into its fifth year with the early career program, but it has hosted students since opening 10 years ago.
“We hosted our 100th student by the end of last year … on average about 10 students a year, which is quite a lot for a small team.”
Since the program began in February 2022, it has supported 140 allied health graduates and 1000 students nationwide.
“Often students say they have really enjoyed their placement and would like to either continue working in headspace or coming back to the centre,” Ms Fullerton said.
“People working at headspace are passionate about working in youth mental health… the students get that sense.”
Ms Fullerton said each student brings something different to the team.
“We have occupational therapy, social work and psychology students.
“They might run groups or do some community work… it’s very much dependent on what the learning goals are for the student.”
She said the wider headspace team benefits from the student placements.
“Having extra people that are able to see the young people and families coming through… really helps us.
“It’s also always two-way learning… our staff are able to hear what the latest things are that students are learning at university.”
Ms Fullerton flew to Canberra to accept the award at the inaugural ceremony on January 11.
