Facility Dog Marley arrives at headspace Mount Barker!

Youth-friendly health service headspace Mount Barker has welcomed Marley to its team – the first Guide Dog-trained Facility Dog at a headspace in Australia.

Working with Guide Dogs SA/NT, headspace has introduced Marley to Mount Barker, where he will provide an alternative source of comfort and sense of safety for young people who are experiencing distress, anxiety or apprehension about seeking mental health support.

Marley will join other Guide Dogs SA/NT-trained Facility Dogs in the workforce, including Canine Court Companion Zeb, Adelaide Airport’s Facility Dog Elmo, and Iris and Apollo who support students in South Australian schools.

Guide Dogs SA/NT Chief Executive Officer Aaron Chia said the organisation trained dogs which would go on to their working lives by supporting people in the community, whether as a Guide Dog, Facility Dog or Assistance Dog. Facility Dogs, like Marley, are trained to the highest level to work safely and effectively in complex environments such as schools, courts, airports, hospitals and now youth mental health services.

“We are thrilled to have Marley start his working life at headspace, where he can provide a calming presence for young people and their families when they are most in need,” Mr Chia said.

“Marley will be in the office to support staff as well as clients at headspace Mount Barker, which provides mental health and wellbeing support services for young people aged 12-25. Marley’s placement offers quiet companionship and reassurance, helping clients to feel safe, grounded and more able to open up during difficult conversations.”

The headspace Mount Barker team has affectionately dubbed its new initiative “Marley & Us”, and early feedback from young people and staff alike shows just how powerful his impact has been.

One young client, who cannot be identified due to privacy restrictions, said they “loved having Marley in the sessions with me”.

“I feel more relaxed and it was easier to talk to my clinician with Marley providing me with support,” they said.

Headspace Youth Reference Group member Angel Lee welcomed Marley to the team.

“He’s very gentle and loving. Also intelligent enough to know when someone is upset and bring great comfort in times of need,” they said.

Another Youth Reference Group member, Natasha Shabir, said Marley had been “an amazing addition to headspace Mount Barker".

“He offers the type of comfort, support and companionship only a dog can give,” Ms Shabir said. “He is a gentle boy with a lot of love, and makes others feel at ease with his presence.”

“We all adore Marley! He will continue to make valuable connections with everyone he crosses paths with, and we can't wait to see all he accomplishes at the centre.”

Staff members were finding Marley’s presence to be invaluable for not just clients, but also themselves.

“I instantly feel calmer from having Marley in the office and I’m excited to have Marley in sessions with young people,” Centre Manager and handler Ingrid Puise said. “The look of happiness on young peoples’ faces when they see Marley is priceless.”

Young people and their families can access headspace Mount Barker online at headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/mount-barker or by calling 8398 4262.