By ALENA HIGGINS
REPRESENTATIVES from schools across Warwick gathered for the breakfast re-launch of a local youth reference group last Wednesday.
Members of Headspace Warwick Advisory Youth, otherwise known as HeadWAYcrew, are aged 12 to 25 and have the opportunity to have their say on youth issues and direct youth mental health services in Warwick.
Centre manager Sophia McLucas said the youth group had been in “hiatus for a while” but was back up and running with groups of students from Warwick State High School, Warwick Christian School, Scots PCG College and School of Total Education taking part.
“When addressing mental health issues that young people struggle with, we believe it is best to get our information from young people,” Ms McLucas said.
“Schools across Warwick host monthly HeadWAYcrew focus group meetings where ideas, concerns and feedback are discussed with Headspace staff.
“This information is translated into improved community awareness, better service delivery and opportunity for local young people to be a part of a response to the community needs.”
Ms McLucas said 2015 will see a range of projects from the school focus groups, with Scots College already putting one of its plans into action.
“Young people from Scots College HeadWAYcrew focus group recently created a community radio service announcement which will be aired on local and Toowoomba radio,” she said.
“Created from unscripted conversations about what they believe to be issues that young people face today, they have produced an authentic message for other young who struggle without help.”
