Welcome aboard! Our first Youth Council members have been selected

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) recently launched its first ever Youth Council, after seeking expressions of interest from local young people aged 18 to 25.

An overwhelming response was received, highlighting how motivated young people are in wanting to make a difference.

The WSLHD Youth Council’s mission is to increase young people’s health literacy, advocate for the development of youth-focused health services in western Sydney and contribute to health policy development.

WSLHD chief executive Danny O’Connor said 15 youth representatives have been welcomed to the organisation.

“These ambassadors will be an important voice for young adult health in western Sydney,” said Danny.

“I look forward to hearing our Youth Council’s views on issues that affect healthcare in our community.”

The youth health representatives will undergo an orientation program developed specifically for them, ensuring that they feel empowered in their new roles and to familiarise them with Westmead Hospital, where they will meet for two hours every month.

The launch of the Youth Council is a very exciting step in empowering the young people of Western Sydney to have a health voice and to work on issues that matter to them.

They will attend conferences, forums and events, subject to their availability and areas of interest.

Joining the youth health representatives are our youth council facilitators from Integrated and Community Health, Silvana Techera, Transition Care Project Officer; Mae Rafraf, Transition Care Project Support Officer; and Jo-Anne Pogorelsky, Community Access Team Senior, High Street Youth Health Service, WSLHD.

For more information visit http://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Consumer-Partnership/WSLHD-Youth-Council