Making a difference: Local youth recognised for their work

THE achievements of Geelong’s young people have been placed in the spotlight, with four local youth workers receiving recognition at this year’s Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) Rural Youth Awards.

Ocean Mind junior mentors Lana Pagram and Layla Sheedy, headspace Geelong youth peer worker Isabelle Gilliam and Geelong Head to Health peer worker Zoe Tizard were among those acknowledged at this year’s award ceremony, held last month at Parliament House.

It was Ms Gilliam’s own lived experience of mental health, and her desire to use that experience to help other young people, that first inspired the now 23-year-old to join headspace Geelong as a volunteer in 2020.

Since transitioning into the role of youth peer worker two years ago, she has supported a diverse group of young people across the Barwon region by creating a safe community group in which they can explore themselves, learn mental health coping mechanisms and share their identities – some for the first time.

She describes this work as providing a space for people in the middle, where there can be a gap in service delivery.

“Some of the most formative experiences I’ve had in my own mental health journey have been talking with other people who know what I’m going through and can validate that experience and provide their perspective of hope with their story of recovery,” Ms Gilliam said.

“Sometimes the best person to talk to is someone who has been through what you have been through.

“I’m here to just offer a listening ear without judgement.”

She has also pioneered one-on-one peer work sessions within the organisation and is a strong advocate for peer work to be implemented across the healthcare system.

It is for these efforts that Ms Gilliam was recognised with the Outstanding Youth Participation in Mental Health & Wellbeing award.

“Peer work is a really new initiative in terms of nationwide mental health interventions, so to have it recognised is a really big deal,” she said.

“It’s been really affirming, and you feel very gratified by it.

“I’m hoping that recognition just grows and grows, and that the government starts to throw some more money behind peer work because it’s just as valuable, if not more I would say, than every other mental health service.”

This year’s Young Person Leading Change accolade was jointly awarded to Lana Pagram and Layla Sheedy for transforming Ocean Mind’s surf therapy sessions into a safe and encouraging space for young people facing mental health challenges, social isolation and disabilities.

Their leadership and support has served as a beacon of hope and motivation to others, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, challenge themselves and build resilience.

Zoe Tizard was named Young Peer Worker of the Year in recognition of the support she provides to people of all ages as a LGBTQIA+ peer worker with Geelong Head to Health, and to young people around the country as an online peer worker for headspace National.

Held once every two years, the YACVic Rural Youth Awards recognise young people and youth workers for their achievements and contributions in creating positive change in rural and regional Victoria.

YACVic chief executive officer Mary Nega said the Rural Youth Awards are more than just a celebration.

“They are a testament to the strength and innovation of our rural and regional young people and youth workers,” she said.

“We are proud to acknowledge their contributions and showcase how their initiatives are shaping the future of their communities.”