National Youth Week (NYW) Champion for South West Queensland (SWQ) is Ipswich’s very own Hannah Hyatt. Hannah, who works in the youth reference group for Headspace Ipswich was one of five champions chosen across the state.
PCYC Queensland, in partnership with the Queensland Government, is offering opportunities for Queensland organisations and young people to get involved with the celebration of NYW, to be held 31 March until the 9 April.
This year’s theme is Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You.
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing.
The assistance covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.
Hannah was surprised to be chosen as the NYW Champion for her region.
“I pretty much applied and forgot about it,” Hannah said.
To be selected, Hannah had to propose an event to the NYW selectors which was why Hannah was inspired to volunteer to work within the mental health sector after her own personal journey with mental issues.
“I saw an ad on Facebook for volunteering at Headspace Ipswich and thought it would be a cool thing to get into because of my own history with mental health,” Hannah said.
“I’ve always been passionate about speaking out and advocating for mental health.”
Hannah’s role within Headspace Ipswich equipped her well for the role of SWQ’s NYW Champion, as she was tasked to organise an event in her area. She has now organised a youth mental health forum at Studio 188 on the 6th of April, from 1-5pm.
The event will have various members of local community groups there, with music performances, afternoon tea, and stalls with mental health information available.
“The event is to make people more comfortable with finding out more information about mental health,” Hannah said.
“I guess it can be quite scary to walk into somewhere like Headspace, so this event aims to reduce that scariness for the young people of Ipswich.”
Hannah and other members of Headspace will also be sharing their mental health journey on the day.
For more information on Hannah’s event, search NYW Ipswich Youth Mental Health Forum on Facebook.
