Opportunity for VMIAC Members
VMIAC, as a sponsor of the Youth Futures Summit 2022, is pleased to offer ten young people the opportunity to attend this event. We’re sponsoring this event as VMAIC want to increase our engagement with young people. We know that our youth members have significant and diverse thoughts on the current Mental Health system and would like to invite them to participate in a national conversation to foster awareness and collaborative change.
The Youth Futures Summit is a youth-designed virtual event. It will bring people from diverse sectors and communities. It’s aims to create an inter-generational dialogue between decision-makers, influencers, and young people, and to produce a Youth Charter. The Charter will outline young people’s needs and hopes to the Australian community.
If you are a young member, aged 16- 25 and this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we want to hear from you!
The Youth Futures Summit (7–9 June 2022) will give you the opportunity to build your r networks, engage with other passionate young people, influence decision makers, and contribute your expertise as a consumer of mental health services in focus groups shape the future of youth interests. The range of topics include:
- mental health.
- disability and the Royal Commission.
- the Future of the NDIS.
- supporting LGBTIQIA+ youth; and
- forced removals: young First Nations people and their families.
All focus group topics and the full program can be viewed on the Youth Futures Summit website at youthfuturessummit.org.au. AUSLAN interpreters and closed captions are available.
We’d really love to receive applications from First Nation young people, people of colour, LGBTQI+ and or disability.
TOP 3 Reasons to attend the Youth Futures Summit
You might be wondering what’s in it for me if I attend this event? Here’s our top three reasons:
1. Shape the future of mental health
Your lived experience as a young mental health consumer is extremely valuable. By sharing your insights and becoming a voice for mental health consumers, you have the power to transform the mental health system. This is your opportunity to make it safer, inclusive, more supportive, and most importantly, one that serves you and your needs.
2. Learn something new
The Summit features a diverse range of topics. You may find yourself being introduced to new concepts, or deepening your understanding of what you are passionate about. There will be the opportunity to converse with learners, practitioners, and experts, engaging with them in a way that is different from watching a TikTok or listening to a Uni lecture. Come with an open mind, there is always something new to learn!
3. Network and develop future opportunities
In Australia, it’s not just what you know, but also who you get to know. At the Summit you will meet other people like yourself who are keen on making a positive difference. You may even meet someone who would be able to help you achieve your next milestone in life and build your dream career. The online format of this event provides a safe space for interacting and engaging with new people, and you may opt out at any time.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
In return for a ticket to the Summit, VMIAC would like you to make the most of this opportunity and use it for your personal knowledge and development, as well as to raise awareness on youth mental health. In a way, you would be a representative for VMIAC.
After the summit has ended, we would appreciate your reflections on the summit and your learning on the future of mental health for young people in Victoria.
We require your express consent to share your reflections with the wider VMIAC community and audience through our website and social media. We are more than happy to keep your reflections anonymous if you prefer. Your reflections can be in the form of:
- A blog-style article (500 words)
- A short video (1 minute)
- A 15-minute interview with a VMIAC staff
How to Apply
This opportunity is open to people aged 16-25 years with lived experience of mental or emotional distress. To apply for a VMIAC ticket, please respond to membership@vmiac.org.au with the following information before 27 May 2022.
- Name:
- Email:
- Contact number:
- Are you a VMIAC Member:
- Do you need any specific accessibility requirements? If yes, please specify:
- A statement of how you intend to use this opportunity to advance your personal aspirations and benefit the wider community of young people with lived experience of mental or emotional distress.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VMIAC Membership is free and open for all consumers of the Victorian Mental Health system.
If you are interested in this opportunity, and are not yet a VMIAC member.
Check out the Membership page on our website, and become a member.