Family and Friends Reference Group

The headspace Dandenong Family and Friends Reference Group is made up of members with lived experience of supporting a young person through headspace services.

Participation of young people’s family and friends in service delivery is recognised internationally in mental health care as fundamental to ensuring an effective and responsive service system and essential component of quality assurance. The Family and Friends Reference Group is made up of a diverse group of volunteers of varying ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, and family types. Along with the Youth Reference Group (3D Youth), the Family and Friends Reference Group assist with guiding the direction of headspace Dandenong.

The aim of the Family and Friends Reference Group is to give those that support and care for young people in the community the opportunity to provide feedback and input into the strategic direction of headspace Dandenong. The Family and Friends Reference Group will be involved in the development of projects in the local community and within headspace to make our service more family-friendly. Family and Friends Reference Group members will be appointed for 12 months.

The Family and Friends Reference Group will consult with headspace on a variety of topics and issues and will be involved in a number of projects. This will be achieved by:

• Participate in quarterly meetings
• Being open and willing to be part of teleconferences, email, and online discussions regularly
• Provide advice and feedback around the strategic direction and development of headspace services
• Be involved in the improvement and evaluation.
• Be involved in the development and delivery of community awareness projects and campaigns focused on reducing stigma and increasing mental health literacy in the local community
• Advocate for improved services to address the needs of family and friends in the local community
• Represent and advocate for the needs of family and friends in headspace leadership meetings, team meetings, and consortium/partnership meetings
• Undertake training about headspace, youth mental health, and other associated topics
• Completing a wellness plan and actively looking after all aspects of your health.

If you have an interest and passion in youth mental health and the role of family and friends in a young person’s support and recovery and the ability to work in a team to participate in group discussions as well as work independently.

Join our Family and Friends Reference Group CLICK HERE 

Please contact Hanish, the Community Engagement Coordinator at hanish.poonia@headspacedandenong.com.au