Headspace Orange is recruiting altruistic individuals ready to make change in the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The youth mental health foundation – which provides intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds – is searching for young leaders to help create better health outcomes for other young people.
The right candidate should have an interest in mental health or drug and alcohol related issues.
Liam Lowe is a 22 year old current youth reference group member who has been working with Headspace for 6 months.
He said his decision to become involved with Headspace came from his personal experiences with mental health.
“For me high school wasn’t easy and I now know that it’s pretty common for other kids to have similar experiences,” he said.
“Now that I’m a bit older I want to be able to let younger people know that they are not alone in having a tough time.”
Mr Lowe said working in the group is not without its challenges and has taught him patience and resilience.
“There’s such a stigma associated with mental health that people are often a little apprehensive to talk about it – which can make it hard to help,” he said.
Mr Lowe said the volunteers are a diverse group which is part of what makes the work enjoyable.
“The group is made up of people who have had mental health struggles and people who haven’t, we all enjoy trying to connect with young people and acting as a soundboard for Headspace,” Mr Lowe said.
“The management team will throw ideas at us and we provide feedback as to what we think will be successful and what might not.”
Headspace is hoping to attract representation from different cultural and language backgrounds, with a broad range of life experience, including same sex attracted young people and those with an experience of homelessness.
The right people will be available to participate in monthly meetings and be prepared to undertake training.
The chosen volunteers may be asked to be involved in community education activities and speak at public functions.
Those of us over the age of 25 are also in demand from the Headspace team.
Teachers, retired teachers, uni students and tafe students are needed to help students with homework during a Monday afternoon study group.
The student support group works with high schoolers from 3:45-6pm.
Volunteers are required to undertake a working with children’s check.
Email sharna.lord@marathonhealth.com.au or 04288 299 158 for information.