![HOOPS: PCYC staff Sharni Towers and Debby Henderson share the court with Headspace staff Sam Davis, Trish Orchard, Lyndell Moffett and Bec Hooper. Photo: Peter Hardin HOOPS: PCYC staff Sharni Towers and Debby Henderson share the court with Headspace staff Sam Davis, Trish Orchard, Lyndell Moffett and Bec Hooper. Photo: Peter Hardin](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/150521478/549bbafb-220c-4f72-815f-6423d7f9fe24.jpg/r733_0_5685_3790_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
SHOOTING baskets will help Tamworth's youth take time-out to focus on mental health these school holidays.
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The concrete slab that stands between headspace and the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) will undergo a facelift in the coming week to provide a space for kids to be active and open.
But headspace Program Manager Sam Davis hopes the space will be more than just a basketball court.
"This gives us an area where we can do clinical sessions with our clients outside the four wall room," he said.
To help break the stigma around reaching out for help, Mr Davis hoped the casual setting would encourage more kids to access the headspace and PCYC services.
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"It allows us to completely target a group that we wouldn't normally," he said.
"They don't feel like they're in a clinical session.
"They feel a bit more comfortable so they're able to talk more freely and openly about things that are going on in their lives."
With the help of a $500 voucher, donated by Tamworth's Bunnings, the new space will undergo a complete makeover with a repainted court, new seating area and astroturf.
Mr Davis said a local artist would also be invited to paint a mural, which would double as an art therapy program for headspace clients.
The new space will also be utilised by the PCYC for their upcoming school holiday and police programs.
Staff member Debby Henderson said she was looking forward to the police being able to connect and chat with at-risk youth over some hoops.
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