Youth Reference Group Member

Member Qualities

As a Group

-  All members must be aged between 16 and 25 years at the age of application

-  A mix of ages and gender

-  Representation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

-  Representation from different cultural and language backgrounds

-  A broad range of life experiences, including young people identifying as LGBTQIA+, experience of homelessness, history of mental health and mental illness, substance abuse and, young carers.

As an Individual:

-  Young people must be aged between 16 and 25 years at age of application

-  Have an interest and passion around mental health and/or alcohol, drugs and

other issues for young people

-  Young people that will personally benefit from their involvement in the YRG

-  The ability to think outside of the big picture

-  The ability to work in a team and participate on an ongoing basis

-  Young people that have something to say about mental health and alcohol

and other drug issues

-  Good communication skills

-  The ability to balance health (including mental health) and other

responsibilities such as; school/work/uni/family and all the demands of the

YRG position

-  All members must have easy and regular access to the internet and phone

Responsibilities

-  Participate in monthly meetings

-  Be prepared to undertake some training about headspace, mental health,

mental illness, alcohol and other drugs, self-advocacy, talking to the media

and other associated topics

-  Be open and willing to participate via email and Facebook group discussions

-  Support local headspace Castle Hill activities

-  Some young people may like to become active community advocates for youth mental health which will raise awareness of youth mental health, encourage young people to seek help early and to educate the broader community about youth mental health

-  Young people may be involved in community educational activities, or as media spokespeople on the issue of youth mental health

-  Young people may speak at public functions or at local schools, mental health forums, conferences and the like

-  Complete a wellness plan and actively look after all aspects of your health

Time Commitment

-  Face to face meeting for approximately 2-4 hours a month

-  Commit to being a part of the group for 24 months from date of recruitment

-  In between face-to-face meetings and events, contact will be made via the

Facebook group

-  It is expected that you maintain regular (at least once a fortnightly) contact

with the group

-  Any focus groups for targeted discussions throughout the year

Benefits

-  Meet with leaders and advocates for youth mental health

-  Receive training in mental health, alcohol and or other drugs, advocacy and

relating to your specific interest area

-  Develop a range of skills including working in groups, and representing the

needs of your peers and community

-  Opportunities to be a youth voice in wider community organisations

associated with headspace Castle Hill

Reimbursements:

headspace Castle Hill will cover the following costs:

-  Food and drinks will be supplied for the groups at each monthly meeting

-  All reasonable travel costs to attend in-person events (receipts to be

provided)