We recently said goodbye to members of Youth Focus Burswood’s Youth Reference Group. Lily, Ally and Zac have made such a huge impact at Youth Focus, and we’re incredibly grateful for all their hard work over the years.
Across WA, our Youth Reference Groups are involved in everything we do: from sitting in on interview panels, having a say in how the centres are decorated, planning events and workshops, undertaking training opportunities, advising what is happening in the youth community, representing our centre, promoting our services and so much more.
We simply couldn’t do what we do at Youth Focus without the input of young people in the community, and Lily and Ally’s input has been particularly valuable.
“Being on the YRG has helped me find my voice,” Lily reflects. “When I started on the YRG I was on my gap year from high school, and didn’t know what I wanted to do. Now I know that working in the community sector is the path forward for me.”
For Ally, her time on Youth Focus’ YRG has been an important part of her mental-health journey. “Sharing my story has helped different people in different ways. This has helped me find my own voice.”