Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)
The YAC currently has full membership and has been operating since August 2007 with representation from the following groups of young people:
- Same Sex Attracted
- Experiencing Mental Health Issues
- Young Parents
- Are or have been Under Guardianship of the Minister
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background
- Youth Networks
The YAC meet on a monthly basis for three hours to contribute to The Second Story health service planning, development, delivery and decision making and also to provide youth perspective on a variety of issues for the greater Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service.
Some of the achievements of the TSS YAC and its members during 2008 / 2009 have been:
- Feedback on the Youth Health Line Promotional Strategy;
- Representative attending the 2020 Youth Summit;
- Undertaking Public Speaking Training;
- Listed in the Women's Honour Role 2008;
- Panel Members for the recruitment of TSS Staff;
- Development of a YAC Newsletter;
- Attendance at Community and Consumer Advisory Committee Meeting;
- Development of a Youth Friendly Notice Board in TSS Central;
- Big Day Out Event – Promotion of TSS;
- Man Alive Event – Promotion of TSS;
- Get the Drift Event – Promotion of TSS;
- Youth Register Project Design.
YAC Member’s views on being on the Youth Advisory Committee:
"Being on the YAC has given me a chance to share my experiences and have my voice heard as a representative of young people under guardianship of the minister. Also, an empowerment experience, helping me to build skills and confidence."
"The TSS YAC allows me to provide input into helping the community and helping to make TSS a youth focussed and friendly service."
"I have learnt a lot of things about youth health services whilst being on the YAC. I enjoy having an input into decision making regarding youth health. I enjoy sharing my experiences and having my opinions valued." – Young Mum
"I have enjoyed being on the YAC as it gives me the chance to have a say about the services offered to youth from disadvantaged groups. As someone who identifies with a few groups, the meetings have really opened my eyes to other people’s situations."
"My role in the YAC provides me with the opportunity to gain another perspective on the lives of young people. My voice is heard, my opinion taken seriously and I have the chance to change things for the better."
"I like being a YAC because people have a voice and I like people being heard."
"I like being in the Youth Advisory Committee because I enjoy voicing my opinions and telling about my experiences as being a young mother."
"The Second Story is the place to go for young people from different backgrounds."
Other Opportunities
The TSS Service now has a survey box in the waiting room of the City TSS Site. This survey box has a different topic each month and will result in changes being made around the service which YOU want to see!
The most recent survey asked you "What events/places would you like to see promotion of The Second Story at?"
The winner was… SCHOOLS!!! Followed closely by National Youth Week and Music Festivals.
Keep an eye out for The Second Story at these events in the near future!
The Second Story is currently looking at other opportunities for young people to become involved in its service, so please keep checking this web page for further information.
Contact Details
If you have any questions regarding the YAC or other opportunities, please contact the Youth Participation Facilitator, Mellita Kimber:
The Second Story values the voice and opinions of young people.