Ms Oakley-Hollow joined the team in March and has been busy visiting schools and organisations to spread the word about headspace Tamworth and the great work the team do to support young people.

She is excited to be a part of the headspace team and welcomes 12 to 25-year-olds having a rough time to call or pop in to the centre in Darling Street when things start to become difficult.

“It’s a really switched on service, and young people are the source of vitality and growth for the human race – early intervention really can work” she said.

Everyone will go through ups and downs, and Ms Oakley-Hollow said she wished “teenage Avril” knew that things were going to change for the better eventually.

As an adult, Ms Oakley-Hollow said she had a couple of tips to keep her mentally healthy – “knowing my limits, and loving turtles”.

If you’d like to pop out of your shell or find out more about how headspace Tamworth can get you back on track, contact the team on 6762 9290.

Meanwhile, National Youth Week continues to run until April 9 and coincides with the school holidays.

It is the biggest celebration of young people aged 12 to 25.

Today’s younger generation are a diverse group with a wide range of interests and differing tastes, but with hundreds of events planned throughout the country there will be something to appeal and keep everyone occupied over the Easter break.

It’s organised by young people, for young people as a chance to get together to share ideas, attend live events, showcase their talents and have fun. 

It is also a time for their voices to be heard on issues that concern them and to recognise their contribution to the community.

National Youth Week is a joint initiative of the Australian, state, territory and local governments.

If you are aged between 12-25, or know someone who is, go to youthweek.nsw.gov.au which outlines events and resources available as part of Youth Week.