Who’s Who in 22, Community: Amy-lee Mayes

Redcliffe Area Youth Space’s Amy-lee Mayes has continued to fearlessly advocate for young people and lead a team dedicated to delivering programs, initiatives and support that saves lives in 2022.

The Executive Manager of the Redcliffe Area Youth Space (RAYS) has spent the past 17 years at the centre, advocating for the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of young people.

Her passion for young people and their wellbeing drives her and her team.

During 2022, Amy-lee has spoken up in defence of young people who are often unfairly vilified in commentary about youth crime.

She has also ensured young people have access to emotional and practical support, training, opportunities to engage with the community and other young people in a positive way.

RAYS offers mental health and family support, flexible learning, Skilling Queenslanders for Work training and more.

In November, RAYS announced its popular Picnic Hill events would return in 2023.

The events, which featured live music, markets, art and food trucks, were held regularly before the COVID-19 pandemic.

They offered training opportunities for young people but also a chance to connect with the community by hosting an event at the RAYS’ Redcliffe home.

About Redcliffe Area Youth Space

Redcliffe Area Youth Space operates within the Moreton Bay Region, providing critical services for young people aged 10-25 years and their families, particularly those who have been significantly affected by trauma, oppression and poverty.

It also has social enterprises to help young people develop new skills including Coffee by the Cliff, Ride Supplies and Picnic Hill.

Redcliffe Area Youth Space emerged from a steering committee created to determine if a space for young people was needed in 1999. In 2001, an interim management committee was formed and by 2002 it became an incorporated entity.

In 2005, a full-time manager was appointed to transition the facility from a youth centre to youth service provider.

Its services now span behavioural and mental health, education, social inclusion and capacity building.

RAYS’ vision is for a cohesive community in the Moreton Bay Region that values, includes, trusts and improves the lives of young people and their families significantly affected by trauma, vulnerability and oppression.

It believes young people are valuable members of the community and working alongside young people, their families and the broader community is paramount to dismantling structural inequalities and oppression.

Executive Manager Amy-lee Mayes has worked at RAYS for the past 17 years and has plans to expand its services in the future. Watch this youth space!