Project 18 the wellbeing nook

18/02/2026

A Collaboration Celebration!

When young people step into the world of work or training, they’re often carrying far more than a résumé. For many, the transition into adulthood comes with uncertainty, pressure, and mental health challenges that aren’t always visible, and aren’t always easy to name.

That’s why Sean Quinn, Mental Health Social Worker, is excited to be part of a new collaboration with the Lighthouse Youth Projects Inc Track2Work, a DEWR Work Foundations program.

Together, they are supporting young people aged 16 to 25 to pave their way to meaningful employment, while also gently addressing the emotional and psychological challenges that can sit alongside these major life transitions.

This partnership creates space for discreet, strengths-based mental health screening and early support to be woven into a real-world employment pathway. There are no labels, no barriers, just practical support, offered at the right time, in the right place. By meeting young people where they are, the program helps build confidence, resilience, and a stronger foundation for long-term wellbeing.

For Sean, this collaboration reflects what’s possible when community organisations work together with a shared purpose. “I’m really pleased to be involved,” he says. “This next phase of the program has enormous potential, and I’m excited to see the impact it will have on young people’s lives.”

If you would like to learn more about the Track2Work program, head to https://www.lighthouseyp.org/mentoring

Celebrating a partnership between Lighthouse Youth Projects Inc. mteSA MCBI Strategy and Systems Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

11/02/2026

It’s reflection time 🌟

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve shared some thoughts about the way we use certain words, words that are familiar, popular, well-intended, and used quite a lot: resilience and strong 💛

Not because I don’t believe they matter, but because when they’re used out of context, or in ways that unintentionally place pressure on people when what’s actually needed is support, they can lose their intended meaning.

But this belongs to those posts, not this one.
This one is about another powerful word.
A word that, in many ways, underpins everything I believe about strengths-based counselling.
Hope 💛

Not the blind, naïve, wish-it-away kind of hope.
But the kind of hope that allows us to set goals and keep moving toward them.
The kind that shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and expectations.
The kind that supports mental wellbeing, even when life is heavy.

I see hope every day 🌟
I see it in my clients, tangled amongst the hard, the scary, the sad, and the deeply unfair.
I see it in their want for something better, their search for change, their determination to find a way forward.
I see hope in very young children whose expectations are still high.
I see it in those who cry at what is wrong in the world, because tears often come from caring, and caring comes from hope for something better.
I even see it in anger, because people wouldn’t feel angry if they didn’t believe something should be different.

So why am I reflecting on hope today, in particular?
Because I believe in it 🌟
I promote it.
I choose it.
I feel it.
And I will always draw upon it.

So, let’s set goals.
Let’s expect more.
Let’s aspire for better.
Together, in the name of hope 💛

📷Some Bananagrams fun 😀

07/02/2026

There are so many misconceptions about what it means to be ‘STRONG’.

We are surrounded by social constructs that define strength and weakness in often unhelpful ways, as if strength is something loud, rigid, or unbreakable.

In reality, there are many factors that shape our capacity to cope, adapt, and to keep going, and nearly as many that can hinder us.

But this week, I have witnessed strength in some of it's truest forms....

I have seen individuals choose to be strong, not through perfection or stoicism, but through courage.

Strength has taken many shapes; it has shown up beautifully, chaotically, and messily:

⭐️ Letting tears flow
⭐️ Saying no to someone you love
⭐️ Asking for help
⭐️ Acknowledging growth
⭐️ Finding the good in a tough day
⭐️ Holding space for anger
⭐️ Sharing the pain of grief
⭐️ Giving unconditional support
⭐️ Trying something new
⭐️ Digging deep to explore barriers
⭐️ Saying goodbye
⭐️ Accepting that some things are hard
⭐️ Taking steps to implement new strategies
⭐️ Celebrating achievements

These are the kinds of strengths that don't demand toughness, instead they ask for honesty, vulnerability, and self-compassion.

It's been a challenging and emotion-filled week but one that's also been inspiring, insightful, hopeful and nurturing.

Happy Saturday 🌼

27/01/2026

Resilience…what do we do when it becomes just a word?

Resilience might just be one of the most overused and misunderstood words of recent times. It’s use began in academic research, moved into self-help books, and eventually found its way into schools, workplaces, and everyday conversations, becoming a much relied-upon ‘buzzword’.

I feel the word has shifted from describing strengths and abilities to feeling more like an unrealistic expectation that people should simply learn to ‘tolerate’ stress. Rather than addressing the difficulties that create distress, it can sometimes feel like we are asking individuals to “get over it,” endure it, or to ignore what they are feeling, sometimes this can be wrapped up as “staying positive.”

I hear the word used frequently, particularly in relation to children. They are often told they need to be ‘more’ resilient. When exploring this I start by asking them what they think the word means, more often than not they can’t explain it, not really. And that’s a problem.

How can we ask someone to be more of something if they don’t understand what it is? And if we’re honest, can we always clearly define it ourselves, or explain how it’s built?

As a strengths-based counsellor, I often encourage children and young people to identify their strengths: their qualities, their values, the things that make them who they are, not just what they’re good at. Together, we explore which strengths they already have and which ones they might like to develop further.

Our strengths are our internal resources. They’re what we draw on during difficult times. They help us adapt, cope, and ultimately move forward. Strengths such as bravery, curiosity, and flexibility support us to feel our feelings, problem-solve, and to keep on going. These are the qualities that can help us “bounce back”.

So when I explore a client’s strengths, we’re doing more than naming positive characteristics. We’re building a stronger sense of self, growing confidence, and, in a much more meaningful way, developing ‘resilience’.

There are some great resources that can help facilitate conversations about strengths, one of my favourites are the Choosing Strengths cards from Innovative Resources.

20/01/2026

It’s National Hug Day!

Some days aren’t about doing more, they’re about feeling more, or perhaps a little less.
They are about promoting feelings of connection, safety and being cared for.

National Hug Day is a simple reminder of something we often overlook: the power of human touch. A hug doesn’t require the right words, a solution, or a plan. It’s a quiet way of saying “you matter and I care about you”.

Apparently, the origins of Hug Day aren’t entirely clear, but its meaning is and it’s now celebrated in many parts of the world.

Across cultures and generations, hugs have always been a universal language of care. And science now confirms what many of us have felt instinctively all along, HUGS are GOOD for US!

Research shows that hugs can lower stress by reducing cortisol, support emotional regulation, increase feelings of safety and trust, and boost wellbeing through the release of oxytocin, how great is that! Hugs can calm our nervous system, lift our mood, and help us feel less alone.

On a day like today, you might see “free hug” signs, school activities, family moments, or social media posts celebrating connection. But the real impact happens in the quiet, everyday moments, when someone reaches out, when comfort is offered without words, when presence is enough, when a good strong, long hug can be exactly what someone needs.

So today, and every day, may we remember the power of simple human connection.

And may we offer a hug, to others, or even to ourselves, when it’s safe, welcomed, and needed of course.
(Always remember to check first because some people don’t like hugs or may not feel comfortable with the offering so just find something else that lets them feel connected and cared for).

📷 How wonderful, a great big hug from Mickey Mouse – photo shared with permission.

The Top Scientific Insights on Hugging from 2025 | Psychology Today

14/01/2026

Back in 2026!

We’re back, and ready for the year ahead.

Our three practitioners at Project 18 are here to support you in 2026:

• Jodie Evans Integrative Practitioner
• Sean Quinn Mental Health Social Worker
• Jennie Charlton Mental Health Social Worker

Each practitioner works with different client groups and brings their own therapeutic approaches, allowing us to support a wide range of needs and across a broad range of ages.

With a depth of experience, strong professional qualifications, and a shared commitment to compassionate, person-centred counselling, our team offers support that is thoughtful, responsive, and grounded in real connection.

All practitioners practice independently at Project 18. You can find their full bios, areas of focus, and direct contact details on our website if you’d like to ask questions, seek clarification, or request an appointment: project18.com.au

We look forward to welcoming you back into our calm, safe, and supportive space here in the heart of Port Adelaide in 2026.

11/01/2026

WHY?

At the beginning of each year, I like to pause and reshare the why behind Project 18, for those who are new here, and as a gentle reminder for those who have walked alongside us for a while.

Project 18 didn’t appear overnight. It was an idea that sat with me for a long time, something I carried, questioned, reshaped, and slowly brought to life.

After many years working across the youth sector, in a range of roles and systems, one thing became very clear to me: while there are many passionate, committed people doing good work, the systems themselves often don’t always allow young people and families to feel truly seen, heard, or supported in the ways they ought to be.

I knew I wanted to create something different.
A space where people feel safe the moment, they walk in.
A space grounded in compassion, honesty, and acceptance.
A space that acknowledges how hard things can be, without defining people by their struggles.

Throughout my career, I have worked with children, young people, and families facing all kinds of challenges. What they taught me, time and time again, is that people don’t need to be “fixed”. They need connection. They need to feel understood. They need support that is real, flexible, and human.

Project 18 exists because I believe meaningful change happens when we are brave enough to do things differently. When we listen deeply. When we move beyond checklists and labels and instead focus on relationships, dignity, and hope.

What began as a personal vision has grown into a collective of like-minded practitioners (located on site and off) who share these values. Together, we strive to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can feel supported to navigate life’s challenges, and to grow into the version of themselves they want to be.

This is our why.
And it continues to guide everything we do, even after 6years!!!

📷 Yes and I'm still smiling!

07/01/2026

It’s 2026!
And we’re already one week in!

Our feeds are full of Happy New Year messages, resolutions, goals, and declarations of fresh starts. And I genuinely love the hope-filled positivity that comes with this time of year.

But I also know that for many people, January doesn’t feel light or energising, it can feel more like an aftermath. The Christmas and New Year period can bring pressure, obligation, exhaustion, and even fear. It doesn’t always land as a clean slate or a fresh beginning.

That’s been sitting with me. Yes, I took a break, but the thinking didn’t stop, the quiet moments have a way of creating their own momentum.

I’ve been wondering what would it feel like to opt out of the pressure, or to go a little slower. To come back to what actually makes us feel good, or to keep doing the things we promised ourselves we’d make more space for over the summer. And maybe, just as importantly, to do less of what weighs us down.

Perhaps this year doesn’t need to start with big goals or bold declarations. Maybe it can begin with gentleness, honesty, and permission to move at our own pace (insert note to self 😉).

📷 Did you know the life cycle of an oyster is slow and involves several stages? A random fact and a great example for life!

22/12/2025

Goodbye 2025!

What a year it has been!!

Like most years, it’s brought the usual ups and downs of life. At times these have been made tougher by a world that has felt particularly chaotic, both close to home and overseas, with recent events sitting especially heavy in our minds.

There have been system changes that have caused real harm to those I work alongside, and significant challenges affecting the people I care for most. At times, this has left me feeling a little discombobulated (by far my favourite word of the year), and very much ready for a break. It’s time to do a bit of “practice what you preach” and lean into some very welcome rest and restoration.

At the same time, I feel a quiet sense of enthusiasm for the fresh start that a new year brings. I'll be entering January with some intentional practices, refreshed perspectives, and a sense of openness to opportunities, hoping to gently create some positive momentum.

There’s also some exciting news on the horizon that I’m looking forward to sharing!

And of course, I remain deeply committed to advocating for positive change and, most importantly, to supporting children and young people in the best way I know how: through creative, individualised, compassionate, and aspirational counselling!

So, as we approach the final days of 2025, I want to express my thanks and gratitude to everyone who supports and encourages Project 18 all year round. I also want to wish everyone all the very best of all the things. This time of year, can be difficult for many, but I hope you feel safe, connected, supported, and hopeful as we move towards the new year.

See you in 2026!

(📷Marvellous Messy Masterpiece Making to wind up some final sessions for the year).

10/12/2025

Today is Human Rights Day!
This years theme is “Our Everyday Essentials”.

When we think about human rights, it’s easy to think big. But at their core, human rights are about the everyday essentials that allow people, especially children and young people, to feel safe, supported and hopeful.

The right to feel protected.
The right to learn.
The right to be heard.
The right to access healthcare, stable housing, food, connection and support.
The right to grow up free from violence, fear and discrimination.

These are not luxuries. They are essentials.

But human rights don’t only live in laws, policies and systems. They also live in the small, everyday choices we make, like how we treat one another, whether we speak up against unfairness, and whether we truly listen to voices that are too often ignored.

And when these daily choices are amplified through collective action, through communities, organisations, movements and nations coming together, that’s when real and lasting change becomes possible.

But for many of the children, young people and families we work with, these rights are not always guaranteed. We see, every day, the impact when safety is uncertain, when systems are hard to navigate, when support comes too late, or when voices go unheard.

Human Rights Day is both a reminder and a call to action: that dignity, safety and opportunity should never depend on circumstance, and that we each have a role to play, this is about how we show up, how we advocate, and how we stand beside those who are vulnerable.

Today, we restate our commitment to this work.
Because human rights aren’t abstract.
They show up in homes, schools, services and communities, every single day.
And they belong to everyone.

Human Rights Day 2025: How Everyday Actions Make a Difference | Second World Summit for Social Development 2025

02/12/2025

Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban (delay) is just around the corner, following the passing of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill in 2024.

From December 10, this legislation places an obligation on certain platforms and providers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young people under the age of 16 from having accounts.

The intention behind this legislation is to help protect children online, with the hope of reducing the harm associated with negative social media use. Obviously, that is a goal most of us support. The flip side, of course, is that for many young people social media is how they connect, how they experience a sense of belonging, or develop a sense of self, and in some cases, it is their only real social space.

However, as with any large-scale change, it also raises a lot of questions and can create division and varying perspectives.

Over recent weeks, I’ve had a lot of conversations with children, young people, and parents. I’ve spoken with those who will be significantly impacted and those who won’t. These conversations have highlighted just how complex this issue is, and they are what’s prompting this post.

So, what do we actually know?
For a start, it really is complicated. The language being used is varied, some platforms are included while others are not, and there is a lot of debate and information circulating. Finding clear, accurate, and reliable information is important. I’ve been using updates from the eSafety Commissioner while also trying to be aware of some of the broader public dialogue.

My biggest concerns are these:
• How many households will experience an increase in conflict between parents and children? Families are already under pressure and don’t need additional stress, especially at this time of year as school holidays start.
• How many young people will find ways around the restrictions and keep it a secret? We all know how dangerous secrecy can be. Fear of getting into trouble can prevent a child from speaking up when something important or harmful occurs.
• How many meaningful conversations are happening about why this legislation has been created? It’s essential that children understand this is about safety and protection, not punishment, even if it feels that way to them.
• How do we continue to guide, support, and educate safe online behaviour? These issues don’t disappear when someone turns 16. And we also can’t assume that all under-16s will suddenly be offline. These conversations need to continue.

This is a significant change, and how we navigate it, as families, professionals, and as a community, will matter just as much as the legislation itself. So, let’s do this with respect, kindness, curiosity and care, together.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

Find information in this hub to help you understand and prepare for the social media age restrictions.

14/10/2025

Some teams are truly special, not just because of what they do or how they do it but because of why they do what they do!

The Lighthouse Youth Projects Inc. crew are one such team! They are committed, passionate and creative. They value hard work and making a real difference to the lives of the young people they support.

Yes, they do this through mentoring and riding bikes, but their approach brings a whole lot more than you might think. It is underpinned by an inclusive, non-judgmental, strengths-based approach. They work alongside young people, supporting them to set goals, build confidence and develop capacity for change. They bring energy, enthusiasm and a healthy dose of fun to their work.

To be invited to spend the day with the Lighthouse YPI team, to facilitate a workshop that supports their dedication and further builds on their individual and collective strengths is an absolute privilege!

It was a day filled with reflection, sharing, a little bit of role play and plenty of laughs, oh and great food too thanks to at the Lipson Street Collective.

Thanks again for the invitation, the opportunity and another great day spent with you all!

!