Address: headspace Hervey Bay - Shop 9/15 Central Avenue, Urraween, 4655.

headspace Fraser Coast is currently seeking Friends and Family Reference Group volunteers. The Friends and Family Reference Group helps us understand what it is like for loved ones to be supporting young people in their recovery from mental health or substance use concerns.

Our Family and Friends Reference Group includes parents, siblings, foster-parents, partners, grandparents, step-parents, partners, roommates and anyone else who makes up a young person’s support system. Here at headspace Fraser Coast we understand that family and friends are often the first to notice a change in a young person’s emotions or behaviour that may signal the onset of a mental health or substance use problem. They also frequently encourage the young person to seek help or attempt to access help on their behalf.

Family and Friends Reference Group Members are involved in:

• Monthly meetings at headspace Hervey Bay
• Advising on various issues and topics relating to youth Mental Health and the headspace centres
• Participating and assisting in fundraising activities
• Providing peer support
• Developing and delivering community awareness presentations
• Maintain and update resources
• Participating in target group decisions
• Participating in teleconferences, email, and Facebook discussions between in-person meetings and events to progress certain projects
• Networking includes promoting the program through word of mouth and networking and leaving pamphlets at appropriate locations (e.g. community centres, etc).

We want family and friends to be involved in the development, planning, delivery and evaluation of the services that we are offering young people. This group is for people over 26 years old who want to support and help lead the community by providing feedback and input into processes, systems and service delivery at our two headspace Fraser Coast locations. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, we would love to have you join our group!

Friends and Family Reference Group volunteers must be available to attend a meeting at headspace Hervey Bay in Urraween, held monthly on Tuesday at 4.30pm.

As part of our team of dedicated volunteers, you will be provided with training and support to perform your role efficiently and safely, including the opportunity to develop your skills in the area of Youth Mental Health.

headspace Fraser Coast is a lovely, welcoming and rewarding place to volunteer where you will meet many wonderful people and learn great new skills that may assist you both personally and professionally. There are lots of other benefits to volunteering with us as well, such as:

• Great education opportunities
• Supply and pay for any security checks required for the position
• Access to online and face-to-face wellness advisors
• Free Flu Vaccinations
• Exclusive shopping discounts
• Being part of a team that really is making a difference in the lives of youth in our community.

We look forward to hearing from you!