Headspace seeks new mental health youth advocates

Caboolture’s Ash Wyllie is one of 20 headspace National Youth Reference Group (hY NRG) members who has been advocating for the mental health and wellbeing needs of young people.

Having sought help through headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, Ash is well equipped to provide input about the organisation’s various services.

“As a disabled person with ADHD and autism, I had a lot going on growing up,” Ash says.

“Sometimes I didn’t know how to put my experiences into words to ask for help.

“My goal is to help people navigate their journey and encourage them to speak out if they’re going through a tough time.

“I was volunteering at my local centre in Caboolture when I heard there was a similar opportunity being advertised at the national level.

“I applied because I wanted to continue sharing my help-seeking story to uplift others,” the 20-year-old says.

Seeking a successor

Ash has spent the past two years striving to improve youth mental health – and he wants other young people in the Moreton Bay region to carry on the good work.

Headspace, which has centres at Bribie Island, Caboolture, Redcliffe and Strathpine, is currently recruiting young people aged 18-25 who have lived experience seeking support through a mental health service to apply to join the headspace hY NRG team.

Hailing from all over Australia and from diverse backgrounds, hY NRG members are passionate mental health advocates who participate and collaborate with headspace to ensure young people provide input into its services.

With applications open until September 22 for the next cohort of hY NRG members, Ash says their time with the group has shaped his personal and professional development.

“During my time in hY NRG, I’ve become more confident in myself,” he says.

“I’ve been able to share my thoughts and experiences, and uplift others to do the same.

“I even facilitated a round of presentations at the headspace forum, in front of hundreds of headspace centre network staff from across the country.

“I also got to film some really cool content with the digital team, which was an awesome professional development opportunity for me as a screen and media student.”

Ash says hY NRG members can choose to be part of different streams or groups, to enable them to delve into areas they’re interested in.

“I’m in the governance stream, and the media and marketing stream, where I give my thoughts and opinions on various headspace projects to ensure they’re relevant and accessible.

“It’s been a privilege to sit in rooms with decision makers and share my ideas and perspectives.”

Engaging young people

headspace Chief Clinical Officer Vikki Ryall says young people and their families are engaged at all levels to help ensure the organisation understands their needs and experiences.

“Young people and their families are the experts when it comes to their mental health journeys and have the right to be actively engaged in the issues that affect them.

“Young people are represented at every level of headspace, from the local centres to the Board, and help to shape the supports we provide.

“The headspace Youth National Reference Group (hY NRG) is made up of a diverse group of 20 young Australians with lived experience of mental ill-health.

“Our hY NRG members are passionate about young people’s health and wellbeing, and the program provides them the opportunity to shape headspace’s programs and strategic direction.

“We are proud to work alongside hY NRG members, who share their lived experiences to ensure that what we do at headspace meets the changing needs of young people.”

Learn more about and apply for the headspace hY NRG program here.