About ReachOut Australia : Our Youth Advocates

ReachOut’s Youth Advocacy Program was established in 2024 to ensure that young people’s views are represented in the government policy and decision making processes that impact their mental health and wellbeing.

The program was co-designed with young people and sector experts to ensure it meets young people’s needs and facilitates productive engagement with governments.

ReachOut Youth Ambassadors apply to take part in the youth advocacy program via an application and selection process. To support the Youth Advocates and develop the next generation of social change leaders, ReachOut facilitates an annual workshop for youth advocates in Sydney. The program also includes ongoing training and skill development opportunities including writing submissions and media training.

ReachOut’s Youth Advocates Workshop December, 2024

Priority areas

ReachOut’s Youth Advocates came together in December 2024 for an in-person workshop in Sydney to determine their priority areas for 2025.
They are:

Access to mental health support
Stigma reduction
Young people and technology

The Youth Advocates will draft submissions to parliamentary or government policy processes, write opinion editorials and meet with MPs and Senators throughout the year to discuss these priority areas. These activities are designed to amplify young people's real world experience of these issues and help shape the mental health and wellbeing policies that impact their future.

What our Advocates say about the program

"Living with ADHD, anxiety, and depression I’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be to access the right support. Getting help shouldn’t be this difficult, and yet, for so many young people, it is. That’s why I wanted to get involved—because I know things need to change. Being part of this program has honestly been life-changing. It’s connected me with people who just get it. There’s something powerful about working alongside other young people who are just as passionate about making a difference. More than anything, this program has given me a sense of purpose. It’s shaped the way I see the world and the way I want to use my law degree—to fight for better support, better systems, and real change for young people like me."

Will, ReachOut Youth Advocate