Project 18 the wellbeing nook

20/01/2026

It’s National Hug Day!

Some days aren’t about doing more, they’re about feeling more, or perhaps a little less.
They are about promoting feelings of connection, safety and being cared for.

National Hug Day is a simple reminder of something we often overlook: the power of human touch. A hug doesn’t require the right words, a solution, or a plan. It’s a quiet way of saying “you matter and I care about you”.

Apparently, the origins of Hug Day aren’t entirely clear, but its meaning is and it’s now celebrated in many parts of the world.

Across cultures and generations, hugs have always been a universal language of care. And science now confirms what many of us have felt instinctively all along, HUGS are GOOD for US!

Research shows that hugs can lower stress by reducing cortisol, support emotional regulation, increase feelings of safety and trust, and boost wellbeing through the release of oxytocin, how great is that! Hugs can calm our nervous system, lift our mood, and help us feel less alone.

On a day like today, you might see “free hug” signs, school activities, family moments, or social media posts celebrating connection. But the real impact happens in the quiet, everyday moments, when someone reaches out, when comfort is offered without words, when presence is enough, when a good strong, long hug can be exactly what someone needs.

So today, and every day, may we remember the power of simple human connection.

And may we offer a hug, to others, or even to ourselves, when it’s safe, welcomed, and needed of course.
(Always remember to check first because some people don’t like hugs or may not feel comfortable with the offering so just find something else that lets them feel connected and cared for).

📷 How wonderful, a great big hug from Mickey Mouse – photo shared with permission.

The Top Scientific Insights on Hugging from 2025 | Psychology Today

14/01/2026

Back in 2026!

We’re back, and ready for the year ahead.

Our three practitioners at Project 18 are here to support you in 2026:

• Jodie Evans Integrative Practitioner
• Sean Quinn Mental Health Social Worker
• Jennie Charlton Mental Health Social Worker

Each practitioner works with different client groups and brings their own therapeutic approaches, allowing us to support a wide range of needs and across a broad range of ages.

With a depth of experience, strong professional qualifications, and a shared commitment to compassionate, person-centred counselling, our team offers support that is thoughtful, responsive, and grounded in real connection.

All practitioners practice independently at Project 18. You can find their full bios, areas of focus, and direct contact details on our website if you’d like to ask questions, seek clarification, or request an appointment: project18.com.au

We look forward to welcoming you back into our calm, safe, and supportive space here in the heart of Port Adelaide in 2026.

11/01/2026

WHY?

At the beginning of each year, I like to pause and reshare the why behind Project 18, for those who are new here, and as a gentle reminder for those who have walked alongside us for a while.

Project 18 didn’t appear overnight. It was an idea that sat with me for a long time, something I carried, questioned, reshaped, and slowly brought to life.

After many years working across the youth sector, in a range of roles and systems, one thing became very clear to me: while there are many passionate, committed people doing good work, the systems themselves often don’t always allow young people and families to feel truly seen, heard, or supported in the ways they ought to be.

I knew I wanted to create something different.
A space where people feel safe the moment, they walk in.
A space grounded in compassion, honesty, and acceptance.
A space that acknowledges how hard things can be, without defining people by their struggles.

Throughout my career, I have worked with children, young people, and families facing all kinds of challenges. What they taught me, time and time again, is that people don’t need to be “fixed”. They need connection. They need to feel understood. They need support that is real, flexible, and human.

Project 18 exists because I believe meaningful change happens when we are brave enough to do things differently. When we listen deeply. When we move beyond checklists and labels and instead focus on relationships, dignity, and hope.

What began as a personal vision has grown into a collective of like-minded practitioners (located on site and off) who share these values. Together, we strive to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can feel supported to navigate life’s challenges, and to grow into the version of themselves they want to be.

This is our why.
And it continues to guide everything we do, even after 6years!!!

📷 Yes and I'm still smiling!

07/01/2026

It’s 2026!
And we’re already one week in!

Our feeds are full of Happy New Year messages, resolutions, goals, and declarations of fresh starts. And I genuinely love the hope-filled positivity that comes with this time of year.

But I also know that for many people, January doesn’t feel light or energising, it can feel more like an aftermath. The Christmas and New Year period can bring pressure, obligation, exhaustion, and even fear. It doesn’t always land as a clean slate or a fresh beginning.

That’s been sitting with me. Yes, I took a break, but the thinking didn’t stop, the quiet moments have a way of creating their own momentum.

I’ve been wondering what would it feel like to opt out of the pressure, or to go a little slower. To come back to what actually makes us feel good, or to keep doing the things we promised ourselves we’d make more space for over the summer. And maybe, just as importantly, to do less of what weighs us down.

Perhaps this year doesn’t need to start with big goals or bold declarations. Maybe it can begin with gentleness, honesty, and permission to move at our own pace (insert note to self 😉).

📷 Did you know the life cycle of an oyster is slow and involves several stages? A random fact and a great example for life!

22/12/2025

Goodbye 2025!

What a year it has been!!

Like most years, it’s brought the usual ups and downs of life. At times these have been made tougher by a world that has felt particularly chaotic, both close to home and overseas, with recent events sitting especially heavy in our minds.

There have been system changes that have caused real harm to those I work alongside, and significant challenges affecting the people I care for most. At times, this has left me feeling a little discombobulated (by far my favourite word of the year), and very much ready for a break. It’s time to do a bit of “practice what you preach” and lean into some very welcome rest and restoration.

At the same time, I feel a quiet sense of enthusiasm for the fresh start that a new year brings. I'll be entering January with some intentional practices, refreshed perspectives, and a sense of openness to opportunities, hoping to gently create some positive momentum.

There’s also some exciting news on the horizon that I’m looking forward to sharing!

And of course, I remain deeply committed to advocating for positive change and, most importantly, to supporting children and young people in the best way I know how: through creative, individualised, compassionate, and aspirational counselling!

So, as we approach the final days of 2025, I want to express my thanks and gratitude to everyone who supports and encourages Project 18 all year round. I also want to wish everyone all the very best of all the things. This time of year, can be difficult for many, but I hope you feel safe, connected, supported, and hopeful as we move towards the new year.

See you in 2026!

(📷Marvellous Messy Masterpiece Making to wind up some final sessions for the year).

10/12/2025

Today is Human Rights Day!
This years theme is “Our Everyday Essentials”.

When we think about human rights, it’s easy to think big. But at their core, human rights are about the everyday essentials that allow people, especially children and young people, to feel safe, supported and hopeful.

The right to feel protected.
The right to learn.
The right to be heard.
The right to access healthcare, stable housing, food, connection and support.
The right to grow up free from violence, fear and discrimination.

These are not luxuries. They are essentials.

But human rights don’t only live in laws, policies and systems. They also live in the small, everyday choices we make, like how we treat one another, whether we speak up against unfairness, and whether we truly listen to voices that are too often ignored.

And when these daily choices are amplified through collective action, through communities, organisations, movements and nations coming together, that’s when real and lasting change becomes possible.

But for many of the children, young people and families we work with, these rights are not always guaranteed. We see, every day, the impact when safety is uncertain, when systems are hard to navigate, when support comes too late, or when voices go unheard.

Human Rights Day is both a reminder and a call to action: that dignity, safety and opportunity should never depend on circumstance, and that we each have a role to play, this is about how we show up, how we advocate, and how we stand beside those who are vulnerable.

Today, we restate our commitment to this work.
Because human rights aren’t abstract.
They show up in homes, schools, services and communities, every single day.
And they belong to everyone.

Human Rights Day 2025: How Everyday Actions Make a Difference | Second World Summit for Social Development 2025

02/12/2025

Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban (delay) is just around the corner, following the passing of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill in 2024.

From December 10, this legislation places an obligation on certain platforms and providers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young people under the age of 16 from having accounts.

The intention behind this legislation is to help protect children online, with the hope of reducing the harm associated with negative social media use. Obviously, that is a goal most of us support. The flip side, of course, is that for many young people social media is how they connect, how they experience a sense of belonging, or develop a sense of self, and in some cases, it is their only real social space.

However, as with any large-scale change, it also raises a lot of questions and can create division and varying perspectives.

Over recent weeks, I’ve had a lot of conversations with children, young people, and parents. I’ve spoken with those who will be significantly impacted and those who won’t. These conversations have highlighted just how complex this issue is, and they are what’s prompting this post.

So, what do we actually know?
For a start, it really is complicated. The language being used is varied, some platforms are included while others are not, and there is a lot of debate and information circulating. Finding clear, accurate, and reliable information is important. I’ve been using updates from the eSafety Commissioner while also trying to be aware of some of the broader public dialogue.

My biggest concerns are these:
• How many households will experience an increase in conflict between parents and children? Families are already under pressure and don’t need additional stress, especially at this time of year as school holidays start.
• How many young people will find ways around the restrictions and keep it a secret? We all know how dangerous secrecy can be. Fear of getting into trouble can prevent a child from speaking up when something important or harmful occurs.
• How many meaningful conversations are happening about why this legislation has been created? It’s essential that children understand this is about safety and protection, not punishment, even if it feels that way to them.
• How do we continue to guide, support, and educate safe online behaviour? These issues don’t disappear when someone turns 16. And we also can’t assume that all under-16s will suddenly be offline. These conversations need to continue.

This is a significant change, and how we navigate it, as families, professionals, and as a community, will matter just as much as the legislation itself. So, let’s do this with respect, kindness, curiosity and care, together.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

Find information in this hub to help you understand and prepare for the social media age restrictions.

24/11/2025

Project 18 turns 6!!!

Yes, that’s right, for six years, Project 18 has been providing mental health and wellbeing services in the Port!

There is so much to celebrate. Firstly, we are still here. In recent years, many small businesses and private practitioners have had to make the difficult decision to close their doors, and the fact that we continue to stand strong is something we don’t take for granted.

Secondly, we’re not just here, our impact and reach continue to deepen. This reflects our longevity, and the trust people place in us, allowing us to show up for more children, more young people, and more families in meaningful, flexible, and person-focused ways.

We also recognise the difficult reality that sits alongside this: the demand for counselling and mental health support for children and young people is higher than ever. More families are seeking help, often in moments of crisis or uncertainty. While it’s a privilege to walk alongside them, it’s also a clear reminder of how essential accessible, responsive support continues to be and why our ongoing presence matters.

Still, we absolutely want to celebrate that we are continuing to deliver quality, ethical, individualised support to people who, for all sorts of reasons, are doing it tough or simply need a safe place to land.

Over these six years, we’ve navigated change, made hard decisions, and ridden the ups and downs of running a practice and small business, all while juggling the ongoing trickiness of finding balance and maintaining boundaries.

But the best part? Our values remain rock solid. Our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities is as strong as ever. And our drive to think creatively, work outside the square, and show up for some of our most vulnerable has never wavered.

So, here’s to celebrating six years… the big, the small, the hard, the messy… and the HOLY MOLY moments too!!

Celebrating with flowers from Alyssiums Florist

19/11/2025

Happy International Men’s Day!

Today is all about highlighting positive role models, raising awareness about men’s health and wellbeing and celebrating the value men bring to their worlds.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Men and Boys”.

‘International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man’, it is about creating a safe, fair, equal society that we can only do when we work together. We need boys to grow up knowing that strength is kindness, respect is mutual and love is gentle.

So today, let’s take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the positive male role models in our lives or the men we value, appreciate, and are grateful for. I’m lucky to have some truly wonderful men in my world: good, kind, caring, fun, generous, and supportive. Taking a moment to recognise them matters, because it can help reinforce the belief that a world shaped by positive masculinity is not only possible, but already growing around us.

If you’d like to learn more about the day or how to get involved check out:
https://internationalmensday.com/

📷 A sneaky pic of two faves (shared with permission).

17/11/2025

We are delighted to celebrate Jennie Charlton, who has been named as a finalist for the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) Social Worker of the Year Award.

Jennie brings a grounded, trauma-informed and relational approach to her practice within our shared space here at Project 18 and is pleased to share that she is now also offering EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapy.

Jennie's commitment to safe, evidence-based, person-centred work is further strengthened by her heart and expertise.

Congratulations Jennie and Good Luck!!

12/11/2025

It’s World Kindness Day 🌟

I’ll be honest, I’ve been thinking about this post all week. About what it truly means to be kind, and why kindness matters so much. I’ve also been thinking about how hard it can be to show kindness at times, especially when life feels heavy and the world seems filled with hostility, as it does right now.

Every day we’re bombarded with news of violence, crime, corruption, and people doing terrible things. We’re reminded that others are hurting, that the world can feel unsafe, and that hardship and heartache are everywhere.

I don’t underestimate the impact of any of that.

But I also believe, wholeheartedly, that this is exactly when and why we need kindness the most. Because how else do we counterbalance it all? 💛

We need to fill the world with compassion, understanding, and love. We need to remind ourselves, and each other, of the goodness that still exists within us. 💛

So, what does it mean to be kind? Being generous, helpful, and caring is a start. Being friendly, respectful, and considerate is also good. Showing concern, empathy, and acceptance of others goes a long way too. 💛

However you describe it, I think we can all agree, we need a whole lot more kindness. ⭐
To see it.
To feel it.
To promote it.
To inspire it.
And to spread it, in great, big, generous portions. ⭐

📷 Cats can be kind too 😻😻

14/10/2025

Some teams are truly special, not just because of what they do or how they do it but because of why they do what they do!

The Lighthouse Youth Projects Inc. crew are one such team! They are committed, passionate and creative. They value hard work and making a real difference to the lives of the young people they support.

Yes, they do this through mentoring and riding bikes, but their approach brings a whole lot more than you might think. It is underpinned by an inclusive, non-judgmental, strengths-based approach. They work alongside young people, supporting them to set goals, build confidence and develop capacity for change. They bring energy, enthusiasm and a healthy dose of fun to their work.

To be invited to spend the day with the Lighthouse YPI team, to facilitate a workshop that supports their dedication and further builds on their individual and collective strengths is an absolute privilege!

It was a day filled with reflection, sharing, a little bit of role play and plenty of laughs, oh and great food too thanks to at the Lipson Street Collective.

Thanks again for the invitation, the opportunity and another great day spent with you all!

!