We’re always blown away by the young people who show up, speak up and make real change in their communities – the Our Place Youth Committee did just that, taking their message to Parliament in early May.

The Our Place Youth Committee presented to Members on the importance of third spaces, shining a light on peer-led social programs for LGBTQIA+ young people in WA. Their presentation explored why mainstream youth programs aren’t always reaching LGBTQIA+ communities and made a compelling case for why co-designing programs with young people in this space is essential to getting it right.

 

Our Place is a Safe Space collaboration between the City of Swan, Youth Focus, headspace Midland and RICHARD LOCKWOOD, offering the program offers a social drop-in space for LGBTQIA+ young people aged 12–25. Co-designed with youth consultants who identify from the community and co-led alongside Peer Mentors, Our Place is built from the ground up to be genuinely inclusive.

Held at headspace Midland, Our Place is a weekly social drop-in program for LGBTQIA+ young people and their families. Our Place was developed to empower young people, helping them cope with daily stressors, recognise and celebrate their abilities, and contribute to their community. While staff and Peer Mentors are present and ready to provide support, information and resources – at its heart, Our Place is simply somewhere to hang out, relax, have fun and connect with others from the LGBTQIA+ community.