LOOKOUT 07: A Beacon of Hope for Sunshine Coast Youth

BY: LOOKOUT 07

On the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, where surf meets suburbia and lifestyle is a selling point, not every young person is thriving. For some, the waves of adolescence crash harder than others. That’s where LOOKOUT 07 steps in – a grassroots mental health and youth support centre with a big heart and an even bigger mission.

Founded in 2023 by mental health advocate and former elite athlete Leon Stensholm, LOOKOUT 07 is more than just a community centre. It’s a lifeline. Born out of personal tragedy – Leon’s brother and best friend Dean died by suicide – the centre was built to ensure no young person feels they have to face their darkest days alone. Dean’s memory lives on in everything LOOKOUT 07 does, right down to its name. The “07” honours both Queensland’s area code and Dean’s football jersey number – making the mission deeply personal and powerfully local.

Operating under the Stensholm Foundation, LOOKOUT 07 serves youth aged 12 to 25. It offers early intervention mental health support, mentorship programs, physical and recreational activities, and – most importantly – a safe, welcoming space where young people can connect, learn, heal, and grow.

What makes LOOKOUT 07 stand out? It’s the GENUINE commitment to the Sunshine Coast community. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program dropped into the region. It’s been built from the ground up with local input and Leon’s deep understanding of the challenges Sunshine Coast youth face – from mental illness and bullying to family breakdown and social isolation.

Programs at LOOKOUT 07 are driven by empathy and lived experience, not bureaucracy. They’re active, engaging, and real. From gym workouts and goal-setting workshops to raw conversations about resilience and mental health, every session is designed to empower young people to take control of their story. And behind it all is Leon – sharing his journey, listening without judgement, and reminding every teenager who walks through the door that they matter.

In a time when youth mental health challenges are growing and support systems are stretched thin, LOOKOUT 07 fills a critical gap. But it can’t do it alone.

That’s why businesses, philanthropists, and locals alike are stepping up to support this unique initiative. Whether through fundraising events like the Chicken Run, sponsoring programs, or simply spreading the word – supporting LOOKOUT 07 is supporting the future of the Sunshine Coast.

In the end, LOOKOUT 07 is more than a charity. It’s a movement. A message. A lookout point for those who feel lost.

And with the help of generous supporters, it can continue to be a beacon of hope for generations to come.

GOOD works with a range of charities and ministries to highlight the ‘good’ work that they do, and to help them gain recognition and support. Lookout 07 is a youth centre and a lifeline for young people aged 12 to 25, offering a fully supervised, safe, and welcoming environment completely free of charge. The Centre provides a dynamic, engaging space designed to support physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Discover more on GOOD. Click HERE to watch the Lookout 07 Collection.

Feature Image: Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels