The voices of young people were amplified loud and clear at the third Midland Youth Panel Discussion held on 25 July at the Midland Junction Arts Centre.
Organised by the headspace Midland Youth Reference Group and Our Place committees, and supported by Youth Focus, headspace Midland and the City of Swan, seven young panel members shared their thoughts and lived experience on a broad range of topics, from raising the age at which young people can access social media, to the important connection between healthy bodies and healthy minds, and the stigma around mental ill-health.
More than 50 people from across the sector and local community attended, and heard first-hand how the sector can improve the way mental health services are delivered to young people. A common theme throughout the panel discussion was the importance of asking and involving young people to better understand what matters to them, and how co-designing services and programs can lead to better outcomes for both young people and the organisations supporting them.
The Youth Panel Discussion reflects one of our core values at Youth Focus – to ensure what we do, and how we do it, is informed by young people and their needs.
A huge congratulations to everyone involved, including Noongar leader Carol Innes who delivered a moving Welcome to Country, sector and community partners and colleagues who attended, and of course, the incredible panel who spoke so articulately and passionately about what matters to them.
You can find out more about our Youth Reference Groups, including ways to get involved, here.
We can’t wait for the next one!!