LJ Hooker today announced its official partnership with headspace, as the LJ Hooker Foundation’s third national charity beneficiary for 2021, to help provide mental health support for young people.

The Foundation is the charitable arm of the LJ Hooker network, and in FY20 donated $208,000 to help those in need, including charities Humpty Dumpty Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis, Share the Dignity and the Australian Red Cross. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $8.3 million.

The partnership announcement commemorates LJ Hooker Foundation Day, on 20 September, the Foundation’s anniversary, which marks 92 years since LJ Hooker first opened for business on the sandy shores of Maroubra in Sydney.

LJ Hooker Foundation Day celebrates the generosity of the network and its shared commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

LJ Hooker Foundation spokeswoman Sarah Dickson said through the Foundation local offices can engage in their communities and boost their social impact, which was especially important during these unprecedented times.

“We’re pleased to be supporting headspace who provide tailored and holistic mental health care to 12 to 25-year olds through more than 115 headspace centres nationally, and online resources.

“This partnership is well aligned to our LJ Hooker values of putting people first and resonates with our network, particularly now as the country faces multiple challenges from the aftermath of the bushfires, to COVID-19 and a challenging economy,” she said.

“Supporting the LJ Hooker Foundation gives the real estate network greater purpose beyond the day-to-day, while simultaneously providing much needed funds for those in need,” she said.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the support of LJ Hooker and its Foundation is warmly welcomed.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the LJ Hooker Foundation as one of our national fundraising partners,” he said.

“More than 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before a person turns 25, which is why early intervention is critical. Through our headspace centres and our online and phone counselling services young people are provided with the help and support they need to get through tough times and get back on track.

“Young people are at the centre of everything we do, and they have an active role in designing, developing and evaluating our services.

“Through our partnership, LJ Hooker Foundation can help us to co-create positive content relevant to young people that will help them navigate challenging issues such as housing,” said Mr Trethowan.

LJ Hooker launched the LJ Hooker Foundation in 2016 to consolidate the grass-roots fundraising activities of its network for major donations to charity partners the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis Australia, and now headspace.