Childhood friends Callum Bell and Jayden Freitas developed a shared passion for mental health and substance recovery while working together at a rehabilitation centre. When Callum began dating Nicola, who had a passion for art and wanted to find a way to use creativity to support others, they soon discovered their professional paths aligned. Together, the trio combined their skills and founded Mindful Health Queensland.
Tell us about yourself and Mindful Health Queensland.
Callum and Jayden have been close friends since primary school. By chance, they both enrolled in the same occupational therapy course at university. Their shared interest in mental health and substance recovery grew during their time working together at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.
Nicola, with a longstanding passion for art, wanted to find a way to use creativity to support others. When Callum and Nicola met and started dating, it became clear over time that their personal and professional paths aligned. As our shared vision grew, the three of us decided to combine our passions and skills to start a business focused on mental health, recovery, and creative therapy.
In Townsville, like many regions, there’s a noticeable gap in accessible mental health support. Too often, individuals facing mental health challenges are left with limited options that focus primarily on symptom management rather than long-term recovery and empowerment. Our goal is to fill that gap by combining occupational therapy with creative healing methods, offering a person-centred approach that helps individuals build resilience, regain independence, and thrive.
What has been the most challenging aspect of owning Mindful Health Queensland?
The most challenging aspect of founding Mindful Health Queensland has been balancing our passion for helping others with the practical demands of running a business. With no prior business experience, learning the operational side—like marketing, finances, and managing growth—was a steep learning curve. It was tough to juggle these responsibilities while staying true to our mission, but over time we’ve gained confidence in navigating both the business side and our client-centred approach.
What is a fun fact about yourselves?
Jayden: My go-to party trick is I can eat a lemon whole (skin and all).
Callum: My secret talent is that I have an uncanny ability to judge exactly how much food is left over after dinner and choose the perfect container to fit it just right.
Nicola: I have mastered the perfect British accent.
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
“What you’re not changing, you’re choosing.” We believe that to grow and thrive in business, you must continuously evaluate, adapt, and make intentional decisions to improve. If you’re not taking proactive steps to change, you’re actively choosing to remain where you are.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for Mindful Health Queensland?
Looking ahead, Mindful Health Queensland is excited to expand both our services and our reach. We are actively exploring further opportunities for community outreach across Queensland, with a focus on making our mental health services more accessible to individuals in need. Additionally, we plan to grow our team by employing more professionals to help us deliver high-quality care to a broader client base.
Main image – Callum and Nicola Bell and Jayden Freitas
Images Credits – All images supplied.
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