Just over 1350 students from Pacific Pines State High School filed into their school assembly hall to see Gold Coast SUNS veteran Campbell Brown raise awareness for youth mental health.

The proud ambassador for Headspace Gold Coast spoke candidly on the growing social issue; reminding the students that there were plenty of services available should they find themselves seeking help, assistance or wanting to learn more about youth mental health.

The community program has become one of Brown’s growing passions outside the football club, after the former Hawk lost one of his closest friends as a result of a  mental illness.

For the 192-game veteran, the chance to save a person from travelling down the same devastating path was large enough motivation to establish a relationship with Headspace and help spread the message that help is available for those in need.  

“After the whole situation happened for me, I wanted to get involved in an organisation where I could help young people handle with some of the issues they were dealing with in life,” said Brown.  

“I became an ambassador for Headspace shorting after jumping on board and I’m really enjoying getting out there and spreading the word that there are people and organisations out there they can go to for help.”

The fan favourite believed the AFL was steering away from the traditional “macho-man” mentality that had stemmed through the core of the sporting code for decades, with players fearful of speaking out on personal issues out of embarrassment.

“There’s no doubt that the stuff I’ve done in the last 12 months has helped me deal with some of the players around the club and the personal issues they were battling outside of the club,” Brown said.

“A few years ago I might not have been able to identify if a person was doing it tough… so being an ambassador for headspace has certainly opened my eyes a bit more.”

Brown will also be co-facilitating Headspace’s ‘Shape Up’ 8-week program for males and females aged 12-16 years, promoting the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle through active exercise and healthy eating.

To register your interest contact Headspace on (07) 5509 5900, limited spaces available.