About the Volunteer Position

Centacare, as the lead agency of a consortium-based model, is responsible for operating headspace Port Adelaide. headspace is Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation. The headspace mission is to improve the mental health, social wellbeing and economic participation of young Australians aged 12-25. headspace Port Adelaide provides free services to young people in the areas of mental health, physical health, alcohol and other drugs, work and study.

In this volunteer role, you will help by performing the following duties:

• Participate in monthly meetings to provide youth input to headspace Port Adelaide.
• 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
• Consult on and evaluate headspace National and local campaigns and events.
• Provide consultation, input and feedback on headspace Port Adelaide youth mental health services.
• Be willing to participate on interview panels for incoming headspace staff.
• Complete a wellness plan and actively look after all aspects of your health.

Optional Duties:

• Be a community advocate for youth mental health to raise awareness of youth mental health, encourage young people to seek help early and to educate the broader community about youth mental health.
• Be involved in community education activities, or as media spokespeople on the issue of youth mental health and well-being.
• Speak at public functions, local schools, mental health forums, conferences, etc. as requested.

About You

We are looking for motivated individuals who:

• Outgoing friendly personality
• Ability to relate to and communicate with people from all different cultures, including young children, parents and agency staff
• Ability to work within a team environment, willingness to work within policy guidelines
• Eager and willing to participate in training courses conducted

As an individual:

• Have an interest and passion in mental health and/or alcohol and other drug issues for young people.
• The ability to think about the big picture.
• 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.
• Strong communication skills.
• The ability to balance health (including mental health), other responsibilities e.g. school/work/uni/family, and the demands of the YRG position.
• Have regular access to internet and phone.
• Previous experience in a similar role
• Parental or guardian consent will be needed for young people under 18 years of age

Our volunteers must have a valid Working with Children Check which we can support you to obtain.

What's in it for you

The benefits of volunteering at Centacare include:

• Share existing skills and gain new ones
• Meet new people and create social connections
• Contribute to community
• having fun & making a difference
• increase self confidence
• stay physically & mentally healthy
• a pathway to employment
• annual celebration volunteer celebrations

Time required:

• In between face-to-face meetings and events, contact will be maintained through email, phone/text, Facebook and teleconferences. It is expected that you maintain regular (at least fortnightly) 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.
• Monthly meetings