Youth Advocacy Group applications now open for 2018

headspace Werribee is currently recruiting for new members to join their Youth Advocacy Group (YAG) for 2018!

The YAG is made up of young people aged between 16-25, who live, work, study or recreate in the Wyndham and Hobsons Bay area, and who are passionate about youth mental health. IMG 0457

The YAG meet regularly to ensure headspace Werribee is a youth-friendly space, and to plan ways to get the word out there about how headspace can support young people who are going through a tough time. The group are involved with activities like:

  • Planning and hosting events to raise awareness of mental health in the community
  • Planning activities to use in community awareness workshops and assisting in the delivery of these at schools and in the community
  • Setting up and manning information stalls to talk to young people about headspace Werribee and mental health
  • Providing feedback about headspace Werribee’s services
  • Developing resources

To be eligible for membership, young people need to be:

  • Between 16 – 25 years old
  • Live, work, study or recreate in the Wyndham and Hobsons Bay area
  • Passionate about youth mental health and wellbeing
  • Ability to work in a team and participate in group discussions
  • Motivation, willingness and commitment to the group
  • Access to the internet or mobile phone

If you have any questions about the YAG, please contact headspace Werribee’s Peer Support Worker Niki on 8001 2366. To apply, please complete the YAG application form here  and email it to kim.dangmcdonald@orygen.org.au.If you have any questions about the YAG, please contact headspace Werribee’s Peer Support Worker Niki on 8001 2366. To apply, please complete the YAG Application form and email it to kim.dangmcdonald@orygen.org.au. Applications close 13th October. We will respond to you shortly after the closing date to inform you if you will be offered an interview.

But don’t just take our word about joining the YAG, please have a look at one of our YAG members’ experiences about being in the group :)

emily profile

MEET EMILY
Tell us about yourself and your connection with headspace Werribee.
I’m Emily, I’m 21 and I’m currently a 4th year Psychology student. I’ve lived in the local Werribee area my entire life, and decided to join the YAG at headspace Werribee because of my passion for working with other young people. I also have a passion for youth mental health and wellbeing, and had heard that headspace was a service entirely dedicated to creating awareness and promoting wellness among local young people. The headspace Werribee YAG has been the perfect place for me to apply my knowledge and use skills that I’ve developed at University to help where I can.

What sort of things do you work on in the YAG?
There are so many different things that the YAG are involved with, including:

  • Assisting headspace in organizing community and school events
  • Increasing knowledge and raising awareness within the local community
  • Offering new partnerships with local schools
  • Engaging in relevant learning courses (e.g. Mental Health First Aid, Drug and Alcohol   Training etc.)
  • Working alongside Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health    on a range of projects and initiatives

Why is the YAG and headspace Werribee important?
The YAG is an important branch of headspace Werribee because together, everyone can provide new insight and new ideas. It is a wonderful opportunity for young people such as myself to get involved with the community and to further knowledge on youth mental health, while also having a lot of fun together. The YAG is a youth-driven platform that continues to contribute new ideas to headspace, to collaborate with each other and the wider community, and to advocate for youth mental health and wellbeing.

What do you enjoy about the YAG?
What I enjoy most about the YAG is that everyone is motivated, inspired and excited to be involved. The environment at headspace Werribee is always warm and welcoming, and everyone you meet will have a smile on their face. I enjoy working with the YAG as well as headspace Werribee staff on so many creative, innovative projects that are solely focused on the wider community, and on the wellbeing of young people. We’re a diverse group, and at every meeting you can always expect someone to bring something new to work on.

What would you say to others thinking about applying for a position in the YAG?
I would say don’t be afraid to have a go, and to come in and meet the wonderful people here at headspace Werribee. If you’re passionate about working within the local community, and with a great group of other young people, this is the perfect place for you!