Are you aged between 15 and 25 and live in Australia? 

Do you have something to say about physical health, mental health and drug and alcohol issues? 

headspace is providing young people with the opportunity to be heard and be active around youth mental health and alcohol and other drug issues. 

There are a number of roles you can play in the headspace Geelong, Corio and Ocean Grove Youth Reference Group, including: 

• Leading a project in your local area 
• Website consultation and development 
• Research and evaluation of headspace services 
• Consultation around resource development such as, factsheets, brochures, radio ads etc 
• Media Spokesperson 
• Participating in interview panels for potential staff members

  By getting involved you will: 

• Have the opportunity to have your say and direct youth mental health services in Australia 
• Participate in training such as Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Learn to share your lived experience of mental ill-health safely
• Meet and work with other young people who are passionate about youth mental health  
• Develop new skills
• Make a difference to youth mental health  

Successful applicants with be required to have:

• Capacity to attend and engage in triweekly meetings with the YRG, held at their headspace centre
• Ability to maintain regular communication via email with their Community Engagement Coordinator
• Capacity to attend an induction training meeting.
• Ability to communicate well with others, including young people, headspace and the broader community.
• Ability to appropriately represent the headspace brand and values at community events.
• Must be eligible to apply/currently hold a WWCC
• Must hold/be willing to apply for NDIS worker screening clearance 

Who can apply?  

We are looking for anyone aged between 15 and 25 who is involved with their local headspace centre or wants to get involved with their local centre. 

We want you to apply if:  

• You have had your own experiences of feeling depressed, anxious or another mental health issue 
• You have a friend or family member who has/or had a mental illness or drug addiction, 
• You feel passionate about and are interested in mental health issues, 
• The group is also keen to hear the voices of Indigenous young people, young people from different cultural backgrounds, young people from rural and remote areas, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people and young people who have been homeless. 

For more information contact:

If you have any questions about the Youth Reference Group, send an email to cec.geelong@stride.com.au or call us on 03 5222 6690 and ask to speak to our Community Engagement Coordinator. 

Applications will be viewed and actioned upon receipt, with a final closing date of 4 December 2024.