Advisory Group members creating safe spaces for Peninsula Youth
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
Young people accessing The Salvation Army in Frankston, Victoria, will now be assured of safe spaces shaped by the knowledge and creativity of those their own age.
Youth and young adults from the Frankston Youth Advisory Group – a Council-driven program that offers those between the ages of 12 and 24 in the area the chance to provide feedback and input – recently designed new posters for the spaces at Peninsula Youth Services, a Salvation Army service provider led by Peninsula Youth Services’ Youth Participation worker Katie O’Connor.
Three participants from the group reflected on their experiences being part of the initiative.
Alannah
What does being part of this advisory group mean to you?
It means I can make a difference to the youth in my community and hopefully help them feel more heard and catered for. I have loved doing YAG; it’s been so amazing to hear all the different views from all the other YAG members. Everyone has such great ideas on how to make our community better for youth. I’ve always felt so welcomed by everyone at YAG, and they have inspired me to do things I never thought I would do, such as going back to school to study youth work. I am forever grateful for everyone who has been a part of the group. I hope that other youth in my area are safe and always know that they have a voice and there are people who are listening and advocating for their needs. There is always help, and I hope that through YAG we are making that help more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
What does ensuring safety for all look like? When do you feel safe and heard?
Through YAG I was given the opportunity to research a group of young people and present to Safeguarding how youth view risk and safety. From this, I took away that many youths view a safe space as somewhere that is inclusive and where they feel like they aren’t at risk of being physically harmed. It’s about creating a space that is filled with friendly people who actively listen and care about their wellbeing.
James
What does being part of this advisory group mean to you?
It means I have a sense of responsibility, I’m connected to members of the community and aware of and actively participating in community events.
What does ensuring safety for all look like? When do you feel safe and heard?
Taking care of everybody regardless of identity. Taking measures to take care of children and giving everyone the opportunity to thrive and have a voice.
What would you like the posters to communicate?
I want the posters to feel eye-catching and vibrant, especially towards people my age who normally don’t read these things. They have important information and really communicate the Salvos’ intent to keep everybody safe and feeling listened to.
Lily
What does being a part of this advisory group mean to you?
It means feeling a part of something, my voice being heard, and getting to make a change. I joined the YAG group for many reasons – one being that I was seeking to be a part of a group for young people that can make a change in Frankston and the wider community. I wanted to meet new people and boost my communication and people skills.
What have you learned being part of this group?
Being a part of the YAG has been nothing but rewarding, amazing and unforgettable. I have gained some amazing friendships with the people in it. I’ve met some wonderful and caring youth workers who also have supported me in my personal journeys outside of YAG. I’ve been a part of two mural projects run through Katie. I love being in an environment where I can be creative. Young people appreciate being recognised for their work, and YAG definitely does that.
