Member Qualities

As a group:

• All members must be aged between 18 and 25 years at the time of application
• Representation from across different regions including City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey, Cardinia Shire and Hastings
• Representation from across the LGBTQIA+ community
• Representation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds
• Representation from different cultural and language backgrounds
• A broad range of life experience, including experience of homelessness and history of mental health and mental illness

As an individual:

• Young people must be aged between 18 and 25 years at the age of application
• Have an interest and passion in mental health and/or alcohol and other drug issues for young people
• The ability to work in a team and participate in group discussions as well as working independently
• Motivation, willingness and commitment to participate on an ongoing basis
• Good communication skills
• The ability to balance health (including mental health) and other responsibilities like school/work/uni/family and the demands of the YAC position
• All members ideally have regular access to the internet and a phone

Responsibilities

• Participate in Wednesday fortnightly meetings
• Be prepared to undertake training about headspace, mental health, mental illness, talking to the media and other associated topics
• Be open and willing to participate in teleconferences, email and Facebook discussions
• Support local headspace activities
• Some young people may like to become 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 education activities, or as media spokespeople on the issue of youth mental health and well-being.
• 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

Benefits

• Meet other young people passionate about youth mental health and well-being
• Receive training in mental health, alcohol and other drugs, media and relating to your specific interest area
• Develop a range of skills including working in groups, and representing the needs of your peers

Time Commitment In between face to face meetings and events, contact will be maintained through email, Facebook and teleconferences (i.e. via Zoom). It is expected that you maintain regular (at least weekly) contact with the group.

Focus groups around specific topics will be held throughout the year and it is expected that the members will be involved in (at least) two of these a year. These groups may occur through teleconference, face to face, or through email surveys and web based discussion.

Please contact the Community Engagement team via request.headspace@each.com.au to discuss any concerns or hurdles you may face in fulfilling the commitment of the YAC to see if we can accommodate.