Project 18 the wellbeing nook

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.

24/11/2025

Project 18 turns 6!!!

Yes, that’s right, for six years, Project 18 has been providing mental health and wellbeing services in the Port!

There is so much to celebrate. Firstly, we are still here. In recent years, many small businesses and private practitioners have had to make the difficult decision to close their doors, and the fact that we continue to stand strong is something we don’t take for granted.

Secondly, we’re not just here, our impact and reach continue to deepen. This reflects our longevity, and the trust people place in us, allowing us to show up for more children, more young people, and more families in meaningful, flexible, and person-focused ways.

We also recognise the difficult reality that sits alongside this: the demand for counselling and mental health support for children and young people is higher than ever. More families are seeking help, often in moments of crisis or uncertainty. While it’s a privilege to walk alongside them, it’s also a clear reminder of how essential accessible, responsive support continues to be and why our ongoing presence matters.

Still, we absolutely want to celebrate that we are continuing to deliver quality, ethical, individualised support to people who, for all sorts of reasons, are doing it tough or simply need a safe place to land.

Over these six years, we’ve navigated change, made hard decisions, and ridden the ups and downs of running a practice and small business, all while juggling the ongoing trickiness of finding balance and maintaining boundaries.

But the best part? Our values remain rock solid. Our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities is as strong as ever. And our drive to think creatively, work outside the square, and show up for some of our most vulnerable has never wavered.

So, here’s to celebrating six years… the big, the small, the hard, the messy… and the HOLY MOLY moments too!!

Celebrating with flowers from Alyssiums Florist

19/11/2025

Happy International Men’s Day!

Today is all about highlighting positive role models, raising awareness about men’s health and wellbeing and celebrating the value men bring to their worlds.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Men and Boys”.

‘International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man’, it is about creating a safe, fair, equal society that we can only do when we work together. We need boys to grow up knowing that strength is kindness, respect is mutual and love is gentle.

So today, let’s take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the positive male role models in our lives or the men we value, appreciate, and are grateful for. I’m lucky to have some truly wonderful men in my world: good, kind, caring, fun, generous, and supportive. Taking a moment to recognise them matters, because it can help reinforce the belief that a world shaped by positive masculinity is not only possible, but already growing around us.

If you’d like to learn more about the day or how to get involved check out:
https://internationalmensday.com/

📷 A sneaky pic of two faves (shared with permission).

17/11/2025

We are delighted to celebrate Jennie Charlton, who has been named as a finalist for the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) Social Worker of the Year Award.

Jennie brings a grounded, trauma-informed and relational approach to her practice within our shared space here at Project 18 and is pleased to share that she is now also offering EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapy.

Jennie's commitment to safe, evidence-based, person-centred work is further strengthened by her heart and expertise.

Congratulations Jennie and Good Luck!!

12/11/2025

It’s World Kindness Day 🌟

I’ll be honest, I’ve been thinking about this post all week. About what it truly means to be kind, and why kindness matters so much. I’ve also been thinking about how hard it can be to show kindness at times, especially when life feels heavy and the world seems filled with hostility, as it does right now.

Every day we’re bombarded with news of violence, crime, corruption, and people doing terrible things. We’re reminded that others are hurting, that the world can feel unsafe, and that hardship and heartache are everywhere.

I don’t underestimate the impact of any of that.

But I also believe, wholeheartedly, that this is exactly when and why we need kindness the most. Because how else do we counterbalance it all? 💛

We need to fill the world with compassion, understanding, and love. We need to remind ourselves, and each other, of the goodness that still exists within us. 💛

So, what does it mean to be kind? Being generous, helpful, and caring is a start. Being friendly, respectful, and considerate is also good. Showing concern, empathy, and acceptance of others goes a long way too. 💛

However you describe it, I think we can all agree, we need a whole lot more kindness. ⭐
To see it.
To feel it.
To promote it.
To inspire it.
And to spread it, in great, big, generous portions. ⭐

📷 Cats can be kind too 😻😻

31/10/2025

The final hours of October sees us coming to the end of another Mental Health Month.

It's been a big month for sure!

In sessions there's been some big situations, challenges and difficulties. There have been tears of anger, despair and frustration. There's been sadness expressed, disappointment shared and loneliness acknowledged.

Amongst many many other things.

But what I love most about doing this work, especially with children and young people is that there is always light.

In sessions and all around, I have also seen strength, compassion, determination and kindness.

There's been laughter, hopefulness, curiosity, humour, revelations and more!

Mental health month is an opportunity to talk, reflect and advocate for change. It also acts as a reminder that we all need to take care, seek support at times and be kind to ourselves.

So for every other month of the year Let's just keep on doing that!

📷 A Happy Highland Coo to make you smile.

22/10/2025

Great Neighbours!

We have a lot of them, and are very grateful for that.

It's not just because they surround us with delicious food and great coffee either but it's becuase on days like yesterday they show up in ways that matter!

Yesterday there was a power outage, our whole block was affected. But as much as each neighbour had their own difficulties to manage they were also quick to offer help in any way they could - there were offers of space to see clients, personal visits to check our meter (thanks Phil) and even flowers - how lovely is that!

Now that's what I call a COMMUNITY!

Small bussiness supporting small business. Port Adelaide doing what it does best. People looking out for people. It gives you all the feels!

Thanks Fergie Mac's Lounge Refuel Creative Second Shot La Popular Taqueria Mash Cafe and Restaurant Black Diamond Tattoo Port Adelaide

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!

!

09/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day!

This year’s theme, “Mental Health in humanitarian emergencies,” calls for greater investment to “address immediate mental health needs, foster long-term recovery, and empower people and communities to rebuild their lives and thrive.” https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

This is such an important focus. We know that to truly “create a world where mental health is valued, protected, and accessible for all, especially in the face of adversity,” these efforts are vital.

There is another layer worth remembering to, when so much is happening in the world, when distress, natural disasters, conflict, and other tragedies fill our newsfeeds, we not only need to support those living through these experiences, we also need to protect our own mental health.

In recent weeks, I’ve had many conversations about the harm that can come from consuming too much distressing information. In sessions I’ve explored the delicate and often tricky balance between staying informed and protecting our wellbeing.

Too much exposure to tragedy can:
• Activate our nervous system, increasing anxiety, fear, depression
• Fuel distrust and despair, giving us a pessimistic view of the world
• Lead to symptoms of vicarious trauma

Personally, I try to look for content that helps restore balance, stories of kindness, people doing good things, or moments of humour, joy, and creativity. Not because I don’t care about what’s happening in the world, but because my mental health sometimes needs that protection too. Doomscrolling isn’t going to help me to help others.

So today, maybe we can all find ways to look after ourselves. Let’s stay informed and compassionate, while also being intentional about what we take in. When more of us feel positive, grounded, and psychologically safe, we’re in a much stronger place to support those who need it most.

For ideas on how to restore some balance: https://theconversation.com/distressed-by-all-the-bad-news-heres-how-to-stay-informed-but-still-look-after-yourself-259913
For more information about World Mental Health Day 2025

30/09/2025

It’s October – which means it’s National Mental Health Month.

This month is about raising awareness, deepening understanding, and encouraging us all to take small but meaningful steps that support mental health and wellbeing.

These last few months have felt heavy for many people. The challenges we face, both individually and collectively, are real, let’s be honest there is a lot happening in the world and that impacts us all in some way, either directly or indirectly.

That’s why now, more than ever, we need to look out for one another. We need to stand alongside each other, offer support in whatever ways we can, and hold on to the simple but powerful truth that kindness matters. The world needs us all to show more respect, acceptance, and care, especially during times like these.

This year’s theme is ‘Connecting When it Counts’, but really, connection always counts. Whether it’s something small or something big, every connection holds some value. It can offer hope, comfort, or be the reminder that we are not alone. Those little acts of reaching out and showing regard for each other can make a real difference.

Talking about mental health is also important. We need to keep normalising these conversations, asking for support, sharing when we’re struggling, and listening without judgment. And ideally, reaching out before things feel too overwhelming.

There are so many simple ways to take part this month: start a conversation, check in on someone, or take a moment to connect. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

If you’d like to get involved in events, you can find some here: https://mhcsa.org.au/mental-health-month/ -campaigns