Mind Australia is inviting young people (aged 16 to 24 years) to shape the future of youth mental health services and join the inaugural Mind Youth Lived Experience Advisory Team (Youth LEAT).
The Youth LEAT will be a group that works to privilege the voices of lived experience throughout Mind’s service design and delivery, with a particular emphasis on young people.
Youth LEAT members will reflect the diverse perspectives and aspirations of their communities, aiming to:
- actively shape decision-making processes at all levels within the organisation
- ensure Mind’s service offerings are tailored specifically for young people
- foster personal and professional growth through participatory practices, such as co-design and advocacy
- empower team members with skills to raise awareness about factors influencing mental health challenges
- provide insights by identifying service gaps and proposing innovative models
- contribute to the recruitment and selection processes of youth-oriented positions within Mind’s services.
Mind’s Participation and Co-Design Manager Dr Carolynne White says this is a unique opportunity for young people with lived experience to share their ideas, play a pivotal role in decision-making processes and be the catalyst for change.
“As a knowledge hub, Mind’s Youth LEAT will expand understanding of mental health services, providers, and systems,” Dr White said.
“It will facilitate connections among members, other young people with lived experiences, and stakeholders to improve outcomes for those facing or at risk of mental health challenges.
“At Mind we have seen the immense value of working with expert advisory bodies like this for a number of years – particularly through our Lived Experience Advisory Team - and we look forward to building on that commitment to lived experience through the Youth LEAT.”