Youth Empowerment Process (YEP) Workshop Report

Darling Downs South West Queensland Region 14–15 July, 2009
Twenty-five students from a local state high school participated in this workshop. Queensland’s State Project Officer, Jane Taylor, was assisted by the MindMatters Youth Presenters, Nikki and Gemma. Topics included Stress and Coping, Chasing Challenges and Building Trust, Loss and Grief, and Dealing with Bullying and Harassment.

Feedback – skills learned:

‘How to support people with their problems or issues.’
‘More about how to support a friend if they have gone through grief or loss.’
‘How to trust (our)selves and others.’
‘How to deal with bullies … how to talk to people about your problems.’

Gold Coast 25-26 June 2009
Twenty-two students and four teachers enjoyed the Youth Empowerment Process focus module held at a state high school in the South Coast Education Region at the end of school term two. Two MindMatters Youth Presenters facilitated this workshop, together with the Queensland State Project Officer. The Youth Empowerment Process workshop aimed at reinforcing the commitment of school communities in providing an active role for young people and building the confidence and capacity for young people to lead and take part in promoting mental health.

Participant feedback included the following.

What was the best part of the two days?

‘Getting the chance to share our thoughts and the games were fun too.’
‘The games and learning about issues and problems.’
‘Being able to talk about bullying and how to cope with difficult situations.’
‘The activities that help us build trust and communication.’

What did you learn?

‘How to mentor young students; and discuss issues with them.’
‘Dealing and helping with stress and bullying.’
‘That trust is very important and it makes you feel good to be able to help others.’
‘How to cope with difficult situations and how to help people with issues.’