THE 'Helping Young People Evolve' Youth Reference Group (HYPE YRG) sprung to life in 2016, when headspace Griffith first opened their doors to the public.
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Since that time, their team of 16 to 25-year-old youth have helped raise awareness and educate the Riverina about mental health, serving as esteemed community advocates.
Cassandra Campbell-Smith, team member at headspace Griffith, has put the call out for more members to join the cause.
"Part of headspace is bringing youth in, not just for clinical reasons, but to get their opinion," Ms Campbell-Smith explained.
"Our Youth Reference Group, 'Helping Young People Evolve', has unfortunately been lacking due to time restraints and youth these days having so much on their plate.
"But they're the ones, once we get a really well-rounded wholesome group, who are going to be on the forefront.
"They're the ones who are going to be going out and talking to their peers to see what we can do as an organisation, for the mental health and well-being of our younger community."
These reference groups have become an integral part of the services offered by headspace, with each centre across Australia boasting their very own.
Rowena Gilbey from the Griffith team says the program is tailored to fit the needs and wants of a growing individual, helping them develop in their own special way.
"It helps them to have a voice," Ms Gilbey said,
"A lot of the Youth Reference Group would be young people sitting down and having a meeting, talking about the issues they want to address and brainstorming ways that headspace could help support those within the community."
Those who sign-up will be supported by headspace to become active community advocates for youth mental health.
They could become the spokesperson for the centre, lead local projects, assist in marketing, promotion and community awareness, and also be a part of evaluation, research, policy and advocacy procedures.
Headspace will offer support and training to their HYPE YRG members in a variety of areas, including leadership, communication, project management, mental health knowledge and public speaking.
For those who are seeking more information, visit https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/griffith/ or call headspace Griffith on 6962 3277.
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