About Mint Mates…

Young people face many common struggles such as relationship issues, challenges at school and university, socially and social media, peer pressure, low self-esteem, stress, body issues, sleep, alcohol and drugs, financial pressure and what to do in the future, to name just a few.

It is not uncommon to wait weeks or months for appointments with Mental Health professionals, however, what are they doing to support their mental health and wellbeing in between?

The Mission Australia 2022 Youth Survey shows that 42% of youth did not seek mental health support, mostly due to feeling of stigma or shame, concerns about confidentiality and simply, not knowing where to go for help.

Mint Mates is a holistic wellbeing service to support young people. At the epicentre we focus on the whole person. Physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, thereby empowering young people to make positive changes to optimise their lives.

Mint Mates is a safe community that prioritises wellbeing for young people, in a relaxed and casual environment, underpinned by mental health knowledge and strategies. Let’s talk about it with our mates, smash the stigma around mental health and wellbeing, and support each other to build “mint minds” for all!

Hi, I’m Jules…

My superpower is being able to connect, communicate and see the incredible uniqueness and beauty in every single young person. Understanding and connecting with young people is my skill and I’m bloody proud of it and the small part I can play in supporting a young person in their life (or a bigger one if kicking goals).

I am very grateful for the life I have led to date. I have lived overseas, travelled, built a career in the corporate world, changed careers to follow my true passion, whilst juggling work and raising four pretty cool kids. I believe strongly in self-reflection, openness, continued learning, growth and living an authentic life – struggles, muck ups, wins and all. Through my own life experiences and studies, I continue to evolve, thriving on being as real as I can.

It is a pretty cool feeling to live as authentically as possible. Creating your own definition of what success and fulfillment look like and having fun along the way. Life to me is best lived through an optimistic and loving lens, knowing you are enough just as you are.

Through my life and work experience, most recently at Headspace, I have come to learn that young people trust me because I get it. They don’t feel judged, and through my authentic nature I am happy to share insights or past experiences of my own journey, to benefit their growth and learning.

They can ask the questions or talk about the things they may not feel comfortable talking about with friends or family. I am passionate that the more we talk about the challenges that young people face, the more they are willing to look at or consider ways to better support their wellbeing.

Some background…

  • Lived, worked and navigated school systems in Hong Kong, Japan, Melbourne and New York.

  • Diploma in Mental Health and Cert IV in Training & Assessment

  • Certified Youth Mentor - Shine From Within

  • Health Coach - Institute of Integrative Nutrition, New York

  • Credentialed Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counsellor – Metropolitan College of New York

  • Hundreds of “practical” hours worked at Headspace, Brisbane and co-designed a game “Help a Mate” published by Headspace.

  • 15 years + work in the Corporate World specialising in Learning & Development, Facilitation, Project Management, Operations & Recruitment

  • Designed and facilitated training programs in performance management, workplace culture, personality styles

  • Co-facilitated 8-week Diversity Club/Social Group for young people from the LGBTQIA+ community

  • Delivered “Youth Mental Health” presentation to Queensland TAFE students

Mint Mates can support you with:

  • Relationship issues (with family, friends or romantic partner)

  • Challenges at School / University / workforce

  • Feeling overwhelmed and stressed

  • Social Connections – rocky friendships, connection challenges

  • Unhealthy relationship with social media

  • Life transitions (high school, school leavers, University, entering workforce)

  • Managing change or problem solving

  • Pressure to succeed at School and Uni

  • Perceptions of success and failure

  • Low self esteem (negative self-talk, body issues etc.)

  • Talking about sex and sexuality

And in the spirit of keeping it authentic:

  • I have been stung by “Asian Giant Hornets” in Taiwan

  • Almost mugged on New York subway

  • Body suit unclipped and rode up out of my suit mid Board Meeting presentation

  • Gave “fresh out of jail” young man a ride in New York

  • Got finger stuck in metal pole at the bank, whilst Teller said “next please”