Those “experts” are none other than the valued volunteer members of the Youth Reference Group, which is made up of young people who are passionate about mental health and wellbeing, according to headspace manager Karina Kerr.

Ms Kerr said the YRG allowed young people to be “meaningfully engaged” in all aspects of headspace and work with staff to improve the service.

“Youth participation enables young people to have a role in the organisation’s structure; it can include a range of consultation and decision-making activities that benefit the organisation and young people involved,” she said.

“In the eyes of headspace, young people are the experts when it comes to youth health issues.”

The YRG recruitment call-out has begun for interested volunteers between the ages of 16 and 25 years who will be given the chance to provide a voice for young people, lead local projects, engage the community and have input into research, policy and advocacy.

Ms Kerr said with the support of headspace staff, YRG members had the opportunity to lead awareness campaigns, put together a video, plan youth week activities or even an art competition.

In 2017, the YRG ran pop-up events, midnight basketball, helped organise the headspace 10^th birthday celebrations, and met with politicians, school and community representatives in advocacy and consultative roles.

They also played an active role in Border events including Wellfest, the Big Shout, Winter Solstice, AWFA Mental Health Round, and the Big Splash.

In her community report card, Ms Kerr said many previous YRG members had secured full-time employment in the mental health sector and other industries.