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Shine Bright Mental Health

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Men’s & Youth Hub - Hervey Bay

Men & Youth Hub Funding Concludes – A Reflection on an Incredible Journey
 
30 June 2026 marks the conclusion of the funded Men & Youth Hub program delivered by Shine Bright Mental Health.
Whilst it is disappointing that we have been unable to secure ongoing funding to continue the service in its current format, we are incredibly proud of what was achieved in such a short period of time.
 
The Men & Youth Hub officially opened on 30 March 2026 with a simple vision: to create a safe, welcoming space where men and young people could access support, connection and early intervention before reaching crisis point.
 
In just 12 weeks, the response from our community was overwhelming.

Our Impact in 12 Weeks

  • 72 community drop-ins
  • 25 enquiries for men’s support services
  • 13 men engaged in ongoing 1:1 therapeutic support
  • 7 young people referred for case management and support services
These figures demonstrate a clear need for dedicated mental health and wellbeing supports for men and young people across the Fraser Coast.
 
However, the true impact of the Hub cannot be measured through numbers alone.
 
Behind every statistic is a story.
 
A man who reached out for help for the first time.
 
A young person who felt heard and understood.
 
A father navigating separation.
 
A young adult struggling with anxiety.
A person experiencing isolation who simply needed somewhere to belong.
 
Over the past three months, we have witnessed courage, vulnerability, resilience and growth. We have seen people take the first steps towards recovery, reconnect with hope and build confidence in seeking support.
 
For that, we are incredibly grateful.

Looking Forward

Although the funded Men & Youth Hub program concludes on 30 June 2026, Shine Bright Mental Health remains committed to supporting our community.
Support continues to be available through:
 
  • NDIS-funded supports
  • Better Connect referrals
  • Mental Health Nursing services
  • Support Coordination
  • Positive Behaviour Support
  • Private fee-for-service appointments
 
Many of the individuals who engaged with the Men & Youth Hub have already been supported to transition into ongoing services and pathways that best meet their needs.

Thank You

We would like to sincerely thank every person who walked through our doors, attended a group, referred a friend, volunteered their time, partnered with our service or simply supported our vision.
 
To the men and young people who trusted us with their stories—thank you.
 
You are the reason this service mattered.
 
Whilst this chapter has come to an end, our commitment to improving mental health outcomes for men and young people remains stronger than ever.
 
The Men & Youth Hub may be closing, but the conversations it started will continue.
 
If you would like information regarding ongoing support options, please complete the Contact Us enquiry form on our website and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss the most appropriate support options available.
Contact Us

What the Hub will offer

1:1 Counselling for Men

Delivered by a full-time male Clinician, the Hub offers free, confidential counselling for men aged 18+, focusing on mental health, emotional well-being, stress, relationships, substance use, identity, and life challenges.


No referral required — walk-ins welcome.

SMART Recovery for Men only Friends & Family Youth only

Facilitated by trained staff, these groups provide a safe and supportive space for young people aged 13–24 to learn resilience skills, reduce harmful behaviours, and strengthen coping strategies.

Youth Wellbeing & Skills Sessions (ages 13-24)

Youth case management with referrals from partnering agencies. We support youth navigating complex challenges, we mental health, family issues, trauma, or risk of disengagement. Case-managed support offers tailored guidance, practical resources, and consistent care to help young people stay on track, grow confidence, and thrive.

Weekly Walk-in Support for Men

Weekly group programs for men combined with psychological groups, well being groups, and physical/psychosocial activity groups,

A Male-Friendly, Youth-Friendly Space

The Hub is designed to feel relaxed, welcoming, and relatable. It will include:

  • Comfortable lounges and high-set tables
  • Games and TV
  • Youth-friendly spaces
  • Memorabilia and décor that appeal to men and young males

This environment helps reduce stigma and encourages engagement.

A Male-Friendly, Youth-Friendly Space
Community Partnerships

Community Partnerships

The Hub is delivered with strong local collaboration, including:

  • Social Shift Institute – supporting project delivery, engagement, and evaluation
  • Major Construction Partner – Nautical Homes & Construction
  • Local youth, community, and sporting groups
  • Shine Bright Sanctuary – providing wraparound support for families connected to the Hub
Nautical Homes & Constructions
Major Construction Partner – Nautical Homes & Construction
Become a Partner

What the Hub will offer

Awareness & Help-Seeking Campaigns

The Hub features a strong community engagement focus, including roadside signage, front-of-house branding, and youth-focused awareness initiatives that normalise help-seeking and reduce stigma for men and young males.

Helping Improve Outcomes for Men, Youth & Families Across Fraser Coast

Young males aged 13–24 and men aged 18–35 are among the least likely to seek traditional mental health support, despite high rates of distress, social isolation, and substance use.

This Hub creates:

  • A low-barrier entry point
  • A safe, relatable social environment
  • Access to early intervention supports
  • Strong community connections

Launch Timeline

Late 2025: Recruitment & soft launch

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Early 2026: Building fit-out & program rollout

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Mid 2026: Full service operation and community awareness campaign

If you would like to be involved with this hub and look at partnering, donating or supporting the Hub long term please reach out and get in contact with us.

Contact Us