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EDITORS RAMBLINGS
Another year gone, and another inch taller, Nikki has grown. Ok, seriously, we should stop picking on Nikki's height (or lack of). Putting together this issue of YARN has been a roller-coaster ride. It wasn't too difficult, but I wouldn't say it was easy either. I wanted to put together an issue that will ROC your boat - and so hot it makes global warming sounds overrated. I wanted to make an issue where all YAs can read over the holiday season and also an issue where YAs can catch up on whats been going on within RO and Inspire. And also a chance for the staff to know whats been ROC-ing in the YAs world. Over the past few months, I have heard a lot of YAs talking about feeling disconnected and a lot wanted to know what happened, is happening and will happen with RO / Inspiresomething to look forward to. Some says they want to hear from Jack and Kerry, and some says they want to know more opportunities to be involved. There are also some who say they loves just hearing updates from the staff, so I tried to bring all these pieces together in this issue of YARN and I hope you all will find at least something you can be excited about, or involved in! So, what other big ideas do I have for YARN? Jack gave me a brilliant idea of turning YARN into a blog, and so I'll bring this up with you all soon and see how we go with it. This issue is extra special because I wanted to also remind all YAs that we're 10 years old. Reach Out is us, and we are Reach Out and we're 10 years old. 2008 has been one heck of a ride both for Reach Out and Inspire, and for us, the YAs - I hope I speak for everyone. From the All Inspired Summit to the smashing new, READ: MULTI INTERNATIONAL AWARDS WINNING Reach Out Central! The RO Road Trip, MySpace ads campaign, billboards campaign, podcasts, RO! TV to name a few. And not forgetting all the new stuff - Inspire's new mission and strategic plan, new Youth Ambassadors, new RO Manager, new Wellbeing Manager, new RO Pro Manager, and Nikki's new toe nail. We're also looking forward to a new website! And also Reach Out USA! And a smashing new youth involvement model (waves goodbye to ROYAB). I hope this YARN serves up to your expectations. I also hope you'll take some time to congratulate yourself for being a YA and for all that you have done; don't compare with others, because we all have different but a unique relationship with RO. We are all equally awesome, and also think about what you can do rather than what you havent done. I'd like to thank all the cool crew, the Inspire super staff for their very encouraging and sweet emails when I asked them if they'd be able to contribute and also to Jack and Kerry for their ideas and contribution as well. Lastly, and MOST importantly, all the Reach Out Youth Ambassadors, especially those who have written the articles and put up with my pestering! Thanks to Becca who assisted me heavily in editing and putting up with my perfectionism. She put in a lot of work to make sure all articles are understandable and generated some brilliant ideas for this issue! I'd *really* love to hear any criticisms, feedbacks and comments from you guys, because it will assist me in coming out with a better YARN in the future - ehon.chan@inspire.org.au - I have a rather thick skin so use your BEST weapon! Let me know what you like and what dont you like about this issue, that way I know what to include and what I might not include in the next issue. Also, of course, any ideas and suggestions would be super! Have a very Merry Christmas and to another smashing, Inspire-ing New Year! 10 years, and many, many more to come!! Ehon

CONTENTS
Wicked YAs .. 3 YA Workshop ... 8 Speaking for Inspire / RO Checklist 12 Interns YARN 13 From the CEO 14 Director of Operations YARN 15 Chairman of Inspire USA 15 Inspire Digital .17 MarComms . 18 Research and Policy 19 Reach Out Cool Crewz 20 Where are they now? ... 24

*Looks up from her laptop and realizes that YARN has actually been sent out to everyone* Oh wow, youre reading this? You mean, finally? I dont have to edit another googledoc? :) My personal thanks goes out to those who put up with my endless ramblings about the process both over the phone and on gtalk, and to everyone who got my nagging emails asking for articles/comments/anything. Thanks for surviving me :P Thankyou, also to each and every one of you. Thankyou for giving us the content to put this together - and also for being the inspiration. Knowing that I was writing and editing something that would go out to people I adore and admire made it one of the most enjoyable things I've done all year. Lastly, when Ehon was writing his ramblings - in his typical style - he forgot one really important thing - and that was to mention how much work he personally put in to this. Ehon, congratulations and thankyou from me on behalf of everyone reading this. You've done an amazing job throughout the process. You've put hours of work into this, particularly during your final exams, and it shows. You've been an amazing pleasure to work with - and you only grow in my estimation each day. You've transformed YARN into something really special. So thankyou, from all of us :) Have a wonderful end of year everyone, and best wishes for the start of '09 Becca

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS GET SERIOUS ABOUT YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

by Edwina Gardiner On Wednesday the 29th of Oct, I (with the support of Charlotte) presented at the Youth Health Forum at the Childrens Hospital, Westmead. Professor Ian Hickie, Executive Director of the Brain & Mind Research Institute (BMRI) at The University of Sydney, and Miss Deborah Howe, Director of Central Coast Children and Young People's Mental Health, spoke in the morning. Then Miss Danielle Maloney, Integration Manager from Headspace talked about youth work and mental health and Dr. Andrew Campbell, Director of Research for Prometheus Faculty of Health Sciences from University of Sydney presented about young people and their use of technology which tied in really well with my topic what young people find helpful when accessing services. The presentation went for 20mins (and Charlotte made me her first ever PowerPoint! Which by the way was awesome, so woot!) and then afterwards all the speakers were put on a panel for half an hour of question and answer time. The audience consisted of around 60-70 health practitioners and educators who worked in a variety of fields. Overall they seemed to be really interested in how to use technology with young people and how using technology will benefit the therapeutic process. So not only is this tied in extremely well with Reach Out, but it showed me that mental health professionals are now feeling positive about looking for new avenues to engage and tackle problems young people face in a way that will appeal to them!

STACEYS REACH OUT JOURNEY

Stacey, Atari (ActNow Project Manager) and Charlotte, presented at the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) Fairground Conference, on the 10th of October, on the topic of Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to improve young people's mental health & wellbeing. Stacey gave a 5 minutes moving speech about how Inspire has changed her world. I stand here before you today a little bit nervous and worried. I am not too fantastic at public speaking or talking to an audience. But by doing this allows me to take a step forward in my life and in my journey. when people ask me 'how I came involved in Inspire or how I found Reach Out', I usually just answer " I stumbled upon it on the internet ... This is true, but its not the whole truth. I have finally come to a point in my life, where I can answer without the fear of judgment and no longer do I feel the shame or guilt. The day I came across Reach Out, I was searching for a way to end my life. "Suicide", "quick" and "easy" were the three words I typed hoping I could find my exit from this world. Hiding amongst my search results I found Reach Out! ...... I no longer felt alone in my life. I had found a safe and confidential place where I could finally be myself without fear ... I like to think of it as a journey After using the site for three years, I finally believed that I was worthy of life and that maybe I do have a lot to offer and that maybe I could make a positive impact My journey with Reach Out and Inspire has gone from a young person seeking help, to a young person wanting to make a difference. It has given my life inspiration and hope. Hope that there is tomorrow, and that there's something I can look forward to, something meaningful. And something where I can look back and be proud of My past has not been the best one but Inspire has allowed me to see that what lies ahead of me is an endless opportunity for change - whether for myself or for others. And each day, I get up in the morning knowing that I am apart of an organisation of change, an organisation that changes young peoples lives like mine and to be able to change the lives of many more other young people. Each day, I wake up in the morning knowing i have the ability to make a meaningful difference. So, while my journey continues, Inspire allows me to have the opportunity to change my world, and to be able to stand up, and say, "I am happy". Charlotte commented that, Stacey delivered an extremely moving and genuine insight into her help seeking journey and the importance of technology, and she was very well received by the audience. Well done, Stacey. Let your happy journey continues!

IFSA INSPIRES YET AGAIN

by Chelsea Geary The 7th of August 2008, was the annual IFSA (Investment and Financial Services Association Ltd) meeting which this year was held on the Gold Coast. So what is IFSA you may ask and what does it have to do with Reach Out!/Inspire? Easy! IFSA is an annual meeting for all these business people. They go to seminars and meetings and other boring business-y things but many of them also pledge money to causes they think are worthy. It is one of Inspires major supporters, especially as it is the time when companies such as Macquarie pledge their money for the year. Anyway, what did I have to do? Luckily I didnt have to go to any boring business meetings, I had an easy role to play! (And I got free food so how could it be bad??). Basically Kerry, Cath and I all just stood at a stall and tried to tempt business men to give us money by showing off our good looks okay maybe not, but its not far from the truth. We had a canopy and set up in it we had a tv and two laptops. The two laptops were showing off the wonderful RO! website and the tv was showing the Inspire video over and over again. Throughout the day we handed out Inspires dream and other dreams that YAs had written. Some men and women were really interested and stopped for a chat, but others didnt want to know. Nevertheless, it was really fun and I got to meet some very interesting people who were very passionate about Reach Out! and everything that Inspire does! I also got to share my story and listen to theirs. It was heaps of fun! Kerry and Cath got to go to the dinner that night, but I was off home promising to never listen to that song (the one on the video whats the name of it?) again!! It was a great experience and I cant wait till next years IFSA!!! Editor: The song is called Where I stood by Missy Higgins.

ALL INSPIRED
By Becca Randall

Edwina Gardiner, NSW: From AI, to becoming a YA, to being part of the youth involvement working group, to attending my first annual YA workshop and being able to talk at some of the most amazing events ever. I have made lifelong friendships, met some of the most amazing and incredibly inspiring people but most of all I have felt as if I have gained a family and can truly say "I am happy!" :)

Three days. Two hundred people. One dream to make Inspire the best it can be for the next 12 years. I was introduced to Inspire at the All Inspired summit 2008 and what an introduction it was! In three days two hundred people, made up of Inspire staff, young people and supporters from all walks of life transformed Inspire forever. From the moment I sat down with a group of people I later learnt included Jack Heath, Proffessor Ian Hickie and our dear Nikki I knew this place, and these people were about to make history. And make history we did. From Kerrys opening speech where she talked about the values of Inspire with both humour and an unshakeable passion to arguing the wording of a mission statement with Jack AI was like nothing on earth. We started off by talking picking someone at your table and telling them what you love about Inspire, and what you want to do with it in the future. My partner was Jack, and hearing how Inspire started from the source and then having my story listened to were definitive moments of AI for me. Put simply - we are part of an organisation who are willing take a young person and give them time to talk one on one with the guy that started it all. I dont know anyone else who would, or could, do that. We dreamt, we imagined and we engaged with each other. The conference whole was driven by the appreciative inquiry approach which entailed looking only at the positives, and going from there We planned what we want Inspire to be like based on what Inspire is best at, and how were going to get there. To quote Matt O'Connor- its for young people, by young people, where young people are thats why were the best in the world Most importantly however, we got things done. Looking in retrospect, AI was the cataylst for some of the great things that have happened within Inspire this year. The strategic plan is the most publicised, but only one of these. Less known, but coming directly from AI, were the 30 day working groups. At the end of the summit we were asked to commit to at least one working group looking at specific areas for development within Inspire. These working groups included: Operational Excellence - making sure we have 'glue' to stick all the new things together, Research, Evaluation and Policy - scoping potential collaborative research partners External Partnerships - Building and maximising our external partnerships Fundraising - Examining how to make Inspire financially sustainable for the future Inspire Consulting - The development of Inspire Digital Learning and Nurturing - Creating and nurturing a true sense of community within the entire Inspire community External Communications - Developing marketing and branding strategies for Inspire A lot more detail on how these panned out can be found here http://www.inspire.org.au/our-supporters-all-inspired-working-groupsupdate.html One of the most positive things that came out of AI, and I believe has been continued, is a true sense of community. Theres a powerful community who believes in what we are trying to do and will do anything to make it happen. AI ensured Inspire will grow astronomically over the next few years. We dreamt so big we have no other option. However, we now have a path to make it happen and AI started us on that path. Theres loads of work to do, AI created most of it, but if we believe and we try we can do it. More than ever we have a community of supporters and believers around us to help us with making the Inspire dream reality. Ill finish with a quote from Michael Rennie, the former chairman of Inspire in his keynote address: greatness is always built off that leap of faith and I think its time for another one

INSPIRE INTRODUCED TO WILLOUGHBY COMMUNITY

by Rori Hancock At the end of November I did a presentation for Inspire at a youth health forum in Willoughby Council. The young people were from various local schools in the area and were either a student representative, or someone that a teacher or school counsellor thought would benefit from the forum. My presentation was basically about the Inspire story, the programs we run and why we run them, and what young people can do to get involved. It was my first presentation (eek!), but it went pretty well despite not having the faintest clue where I was going or even what I was doing. The youth health forum was run by one of our fabulous ex-YA's Wil who made me feel super comfortable. After the preso, I stuck around for lunch and discussion groups and joined in on the Mental Health group where the young people spoke about stress, good communication, what mental health meant to them and what they felt contributed to good and poor mental health. It was a really interesting day! Billy Colless, QLD: Inspire has created new limits, and opened minds. Its kept me active and aware with the opportunities youth have as well as the issues that they face.

A PRESENTATION A DAY/WEEK/MONTH/YEAR KEEPS THE NERVES PUMPING AND THE AWARENESS FLOWING
by Matt O'Connor It was a busy few weeks for RO! in Brisbane town around September/October. I was lucky enough to be able to go out to St Paul's High School and speak there on a few occasions. They were running from Brisbane to the Gold Coast in order to raise money for Inspire. So the first presentation I was told would be just their "form group" which at my high school was about 20 kids and i was supposed to be talking for about 20min. Well when i got there i think there was 120 so instead of a casual chat it became an impromptu speech! Later that week i went back to speak at their assembly which was no easy thing...900 bored looking faces! But I'd worked pretty hard on my speech and I'm pretty sure that some of them really stopped to think about it. Certainly the donations afterward the assembly were pretty big so that was a good sign! I was then (supposed) to come back and speak to parents but...ah...due to a mix up in dates i didn't make it! Yet i did work it out to be back to pick up the LARGEST novelty cheque ever! It was considerably taller than me - i looked like a tiny kid about to go surfing on his 6 foot a million surfboard! But they were great, at the time of the cheque they had raised $14,206 with more to come! I also did a presentation to Slade Group - i think some of the other YAs in other states also presented to them. It was half an hour of me talking and i was worried that they would get bored. I played the promo video first and that really grabbed their attention and from then on they seemed really interested. At the end they all said that they would like to do something for RO, like run a workshop on how to interview well (they are a recruitment and selection firm) so that was really cool! And finally was our AWESOME stall at a youth-type festival called Art Park. It was most excellently organised and run by Meke and Chelsea was kind enough to drive us there. The stall was actually pretty quiet and they had us tucked away in a corner but we still managed to make the most of it. I made some sincere attempts to get a pine cone in a bin during the more quiet moments. But we had a few kids come and spend a bit of time with us and i figure if we only got through to a few of them then it was a day well spent! And we were with friends so it's always time well spent! Can i get a collective *AWWWW*! Meke: We created a mural using hands and asked people to write down something they do to chill out/get through tough times, the mural stayed with the people who organised Art Park and they put this up in one of their youth spaces (hence the shameless plug for RO in the middle hand).

THE THANK YOU EVENT

by Becca Randall Jordan McArthur, NSW: A Buddhist Abbot once asked his pupils Is it possible to cover the earth in leather, so when we tread it is soft wherever we walk? One of the pupils hesitantly said No. The Abbot replied Then what do we do? A younger monk raised his hand and responded Wear leather sandals. The Abbot smiled and said Yes, wearing leather sandals is equal to covering the earth with leather. The Reach Out! Crew, all the staff of Inspire, and all the YAs are like the Abbot. We pass wise and noble messages through the actions we do and the words we speak; as we try to get everyone wearing leather sandals. Because we all deserve a pair of our own leather sandals.

Chelsea Geary, QLD: My involvement with Inspire this year has allowed me to learn so many things about myself and I have had so many wonderful experiences that I will never forget. I have formed some truly wonderful friendships through the unique and such kind people involved in Inspire and have had so much fun throughout the year! I can't wait to see what new adventures I will have with Inspire next year.

After three of the most amazing days of my life, came the opportunity for us to all let our hair down and party! The annual Thank You Event, while at the end of AI, was designed to thank all the supporters and donors of Inspire, and also to acknowledge and thank the graduating YA's. It was a great opportunity to meet some of the people that allow us to do what we do as part of Inspire. As I'm sure you all know, there are some amazing people who support Inspire, for a myriad of reasons, and getting the chance to meet just a few of them was a great experience.
Melissa, Dr. Lauren and Becca at TY Event

A group of our fellow Youth Ambassadors also graduated that night, an experience which was moving both for them and everyone in attendance. Billie-Jo Barbara- a graduating YA from South Australia, made an exceptionally moving speech (which left not a dry eye in the house) about her time with Inspire and what this has meant to her. Starting on my Inspire journey as I was that night, made it all the more poignant to hear what Inspire has given so many young people, and to hear it from the heart. It was wonderful hearing of their contributions, and we were all grateful to be witness to an event such as that. The key moment of the Thank You Event, however, was the unveiling of the new Be Inspired video. In it, three young people (including our fellow YA, Sasha) tell their stories of how they have become involved in Inspire (through Reach Out, ActNow and BeanBag) and what it has done for them. After three days of intense emotion, it only produced more tears and cheers for all present. Editor: Video available here http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=gcsHt7c42jk

YAs SPEAK OUT FOR YOUNG PEOPLES MENTAL HEALTH AT WORLD CONFERENCE
by Doug Millen and Ehon Chan It all began with an email from Michelle in July 08, soliciting a couple of YAs interested in doing some pretty special research on how young people felt about mental health promotion. Michelle was putting a team together on behalf of VicHealth in order to compile and present young peoples views on the Melbourne Charter, a document framing mental health promotion worldwide, to be presented at the 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioural Disorders (big name!). The idea was for Michelle, Ehon and myself to work together to put together a report all about what young people thought should be included in the Charter based on the four social determinants of health (freedom from violence, freedom from discrimination, social participation and access to economic resources). The most effective way to do this was to use the forums, so we held discussions over four weeks covering a different determinant each week. We received some amazing and insightful comments, and after much editing, summarising and collaboration over a brief period of time the report was born and a presentation produced. Ehon and I were lucky enough to be presenting the findings at the Charter-themed plenary* session on the second day of the conference. After having met many of the conference delegates and heard them speak about their projects, we were excited for it to be our turn! Plans changed quickly and we ended up sitting on a panel to present and discuss young peoples perspective this was a brilliant change and allowed us a bit more freedom. Also on the panel were Dr. Thom Bornemann, Director of the Carter Center's Mental Health Program, USA and Professor Margaret Barry, Professor of Health Promotion and Public Health at the Department of Health Promotion, National University of Ireland, two very prominent and influential figures in world mental health promotion, and it was pretty humbling to be on the panel with them. Our presentation was very well-received, with many comments from other delegates, Inspire staff and even Thom and Margaret! A well-placed question by Dr. Jane Burns even permitted us to explore for a moment the relevance of ICTs in the changing nature of young peoples mental health. Overall it was an incredible opportunity to speak out for young peoples mental health in a world arena, and get the word out about Inspire! The people we met were so receptive and interesting, and we learnt so much about mental health promotion from an international perspective. It was definitely a very worthwhile exercise and were so thankful for the opportunity. Ehon: This conference is one of the first few global steps in recognising mental health promotion amongst young people as a whole new level, and although there was a lot of talk about the disabled and Indigenous community, young people were the only population group whose feedback into the charter was given a dedicated spot on the program. To meet so many influential figures and hear so many life-changing presentations were incredible - such as Professor Fran Baum, Commissioner for the Commission on the Social Determinants of Health who spoke about the shocking figures of isolated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders not receiving proper and much needed medical services, and Kate Gilmore, Executive Deputy SecretaryGeneral of Amnesty International, spoke about the genocide in Rwanda (for more info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Rwandan_Genocide). They were two of the most deeply moving speeches I have heard in my short life. The conference overall has also given me an international perspective at just how vast and incredibly diverse the work of mental health promotion is. There are so many inspirational projects in promoting mental health being done everywhere around the world! Some of things I brought away from preparing this report and presentation were: that it is better to use the term "mental health problems" rather than "mental health issues", Reach Out is spelled as two seperate words with a capital 'R' and 'O' without the '!' and same goes to the abbreviation 'RO' and when you're speaking through a microphone (or without the microphone), slowww down. I hope that this charter will bring the practice of mental health promotion to the next level, and I would love to see technology recognised as an important setting for the work of mental health promotion if we want to reach some of the marginalised populations. I think it was the CEO of the Clifford Beer Foundation, Michael Murray, who said something along the line of, instead of bringing the marginalised to mainstream (the theme of the conference was from margins to mainstream), we need to bring the mainstream to the marginalised. *plenary session: is a term often used in conferences to define the part of the conference when all members of all parties are in attendance. These sessions may contain a broad range of content from Keynotes to Panel Discussions and are not necessarily related to a specific style of delivery. (Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plenary_session)

REACH OUT APPEARANCES ON MENTAL HEALTH WEEK AROUND ADELAIDE

by Ehon Chan We made an appearance at two locations in Adelaide on Mental Health Week, 5th - 11th October, this year - Flinders University and Rundle Mall. The one at Flinders Uni was circus themed, so there were stilt walkers juggling and stuff. There weren't too many people but I did finish giving out about 100 stickers. Overall, it was a good day just getting Reach Out out there, and catching up with Bron and Hannah after so long. Rundle Mall was a bit busier, and we finished most of our postcards. Most people were drawn to the ActNow poster/sticker which reads, "SHIT HOT!", and their postcards as well. It all went well and we finished most of our promo stuff, which was a relief as I didn't have to carry the box home! And I even got a free massage from the fitness people there, so it all ended on a good note. Elise Darsow, SA: This year Inspire helped me to grow as a person; and I helped Inspire to grow as an organisation. I am sure I am but one of many YA's who feel the same sense of both belonging, and accomplishment.

Doug Millen, VIC: Inspire and me this year has been about feeling that Inspire is a part of me like never before.

AN EVENING WITH INSPIRE

by Chris Meaney and Edwina Gardiner On Friday the 21st of November, Inspire held an event at Doltone House in Sydney. It was about celebrating Christmas and also an awareness campaign to help raise money for Reach Outs Online Community Forums. Barclays got in the Christmas spirit first, and DONATED a full Christmas party to us at short notice, and we had the challenge of Inspires young people, staff and supporter at An Evening with Inspire filling 300 seats at Dolton House, to raise awareness of "What young people are thinking" (a line constantly re- Editor: Janika Berg became a Youth Ambassador 3 peated when ABC702 were flogging tickets...free...tickets) months ago and she went under the spotlight for YARN! and money. Who are you? Janika Somehow, after playing roundabout for a solid half hour, What year were you born? 1989 they ended up getting us to our seats and making us eat. Where did you grow up? Port Stephens! And drink. Jack gave a speech, and then Kerry spoke 3 hours North of Sydney What do you do? about:I am currently at uni studying Law and A) The fundraising target b) The reasons why you should give us money Psychological Science. Your favourite piece of music? Any, I c) What reaching the target would mean love all music. I (Edwina) read a story from an anonymous young person The biggest hurdle you've overcome and how you did it? showing how the community forums are of great benefit to Probably finishing year 12 last year, that seemed almost impossible at so many young people. We had some awesome guests the time! I think what I found helped me the most was accepting the including Steve Canain from Triple Js Hack who MCd the fact that I couldnt do it on my own, and that it was okay to ask for extra night as well as Tegan Schetrumpf (an ActNow Intern), support. Professor Ian Hickie (from the Brain and Mind Institute) What makes you laugh? Things I find funny. Friends and family. and Dr Rebecca Huntley (author of generation Y) who sat Who do you talk to when you've got a problem? on a panel led by Jono discussing the topic on What is Friends, counselors. Your greatest achievement? Not only finishing school last year but your teenager thinking!" getting into University into my most desired course and as well getting Inspire's goal was to raise $22,000 to be able to open the a scholarship on top of that. Also I think moving interstate on my own is community forums one extra night a week. By the end of a pretty big achievement for me. Anything really is possible! the night, having sold raffle tickets, taken pledges and har- How do you cope with loneliness? Try and talk to people, meet new rassing rich people, we ended up raising $23,680. people. Keep in touch with old and new friends. Ive surprisingly become quite used to being alone now. Anyways, it was a great night ending with everyone hitting What are your fears, and how do you face them? the dance floor boogieing on down to the nutbush! Getting Im scared of letting people down. Its a hard one to face when I have to catch up with old friends, making new friends and see- to. I guess I just take it as it comes. ing just what a room full of people with a passion can do in Your heroes and role models? 4 hours is amazing. Now, one can only hope that the com- I dont really have heroes or role models as such. I guess I just munity at large remains so open hearted and keeps throw- really look up to those ordinary people whove achieved extraordinary things. Theyre in every community. ing money at Inspire. We need it. How have you coped with death and loss? Well at the moment Im in the middle of trying to cope with this exact thing. It can be really hard to know what to do next, or what you should be thinking/feeling. I just try and let myself feel/think what I need to, instead of keeping it bottled up inside. Being around people who understand is helpful. Your favourite place in the world? My backyard, in the sun next to the ocean. How have you got through relationship breakups? Just tried not to dwell on it too much I guess. It may completely suck what happens but its a waste of my energy to sit around thinking/analyzing everything. Where do you draw strength and inspiration from? The people around me. Those who have achieved or just beaten the odds in anything are inspiring. Have you ever seen someone like a counsellor, and did it help? Yes, I have seen many. Some helpful, some not so much. But I eventually always found a helpful one amongst them all. Yes, it has been extremely helpful for me at times to know I have this extra support if I need it. Hannah and Bronwyn at Flinders Uni MH Week Your life motto? If its meant to be, then its meant to be The best thing about being alive? Just seeing so many amazing things. Theres so much good in the world, you just have to seek it out. Matt O'Connor, QLD: My year with Inspire has What are your goals for the future? At the moment I have no idea! taught me so much...nearly all of which relates to Maybe create some goals? time management!

"I just wanna thank you for letting me be myself" - THE YA WORKSHOPS
by Becca Randall
Workshops. 3 days of - chaos? excitement? wonderment? From the pure exhilaration of meeting everyone, to the joy of the Anti-Ninjas' winning the trivia night, I know everyone who was at workshops will have their own memories, and stories to tell. While I can't hope to represent what the weekend at collaroy was to everyone, I hope my retelling covers just a little of the joy we all had that weekend. We started at the airport and then went on to central - a wonderful few hours of meeting everyone! That first afternoon was spent getting to know each other, a picnic lunch on the beach and swimming - Sydney had turned out a perfect swimming day just for us. After a playful afternoon we walked up to the centre, ready to settle down for the 'real work' of the weekend. First stop - Dinner! :) After dinner we were presented with the new strategic plan - where is Inspire going and how are we going to get there? For the full strategic plan: http://www.inspire.org.au/uploads/files/pdfs/Strategic%20Plan_website%20version.pdf The strategic plan night was a late one - ended only by a very quiet Doug gently reminding us that we did need to sleep :) Saturday We rose bright and early for breakfast at 7:15 (dictated by the centre, not the crew :P) and started another fun filled day! Once we were all awake, we were separated into two groups and presented to by Sarah and Doug. Sarah gave us a wonderful education on how we can develop the RO podcast, use technology more effectively, and get more out of our connections across Australia. She discussed with us creating a library of digital media that we can then make the podcasts from (use of past CUPs was for content was just one of the ideas) and how to make the podcasts more relevant, shorter and having more than one person contribute. In the group that I was in the discussion then evolved into a discussion about the use of technology and how we can harness it. With the RO website about to be taken to web 2.0 technology we have no reason not to update our activities to be at the forefront of technology ourselves. Key amongst these ideas was the use of google docs- a tool which makes file sharing a lot easier (and which this article of YARN was produced on) and enables us to work both faster and smarter. I think everyone who was at the workshops with me will agree that Sarah was an engaging, knowledgegable and inspiring facilitator so thank you again Sarah for inspiring us! Next up was Doug's preso - which he has more than adequately covered in his own article - however, on behalf of all of us, thank you Doug for putting so much work into a great presentation!

An afternoon at the beach

Christmas Carolling? A RO fundraiser

The bunkbeds! Who can forget the stains.

After these great presentations we had a break for morning tea and chatting - and then we were greeted by Inspire Digital! (Read Tandi's article for more detail :) ) Hearing about the new site got us all really happy, amazed and enthused about what we're doing and where we're going. The new site will be amazing, and the future is oh so bright for RO! After having our minds blown by the new site info, we were then allowed a break to chat, discuss, and get ready for the dress up evening! The dress up evening featured ninjas, pirates, a priest and loads of fun! We had a trivia night (which was more about how loud you could shout than skill), lots of teasing of Nikki, and excitement. The highlight of the evening was being presented with a rather amazing present - our photo books! Saturday evening continued well into Sunday morning for most (again, I was probably one of the first asleep with a bedtime of 2am) - but, up we were again for breakfast at 7:15! Next stop, the new youth involvement model.

Tamika Dawson, NSW: This year I have felt totally connected and engaged with Reach Out. Attending the YA Workshops was definately a highlight for me. I was amongst 40 other people who were very similar to me, with similar interests and values and I felt like I belonged. I felt like, nearly for the first time, I was able to be myself.

Nick Backo, Eddy and Rosie were amazing facilitators, helping us discuss a topic that is really close to all of our hearts. I think some great opinions were expressed, and I believe we all gained a much greater sense of control over the changes that will be happening. After lunch and enforced packing up of rooms - we were greeted by Jack! Jack gave us a great overview on what's happening in Ireland, Inspire globally and the future of the organisation. Hearing him speak was an enlightening experience, and I think we all came away with a greater sense of purpose and hope about the future of Inspire. Jack finished his talk (after being bombarded with questions) by passing the verbal baton to Carmela - the Reach Out US Program Coordinator. Carmela spoke about what they are doing in the US, the challenges of adapting the site for a US audience and how they are getting young people involved from the start. It was then getting close to the time to leave, and so it came time for more heartfelt thoughts. I don't think anyone who was there wasn't changed by the experience of spending three days with a group of amazing young people. The passion exuded from everyone there was mind blowing, and incredibly emotionally touching.

Back L to R: Mathew, Ehon, Lachy & Damo Front L to R: Becks, Tamika & Chelsea

The Ninjas OR The Pirates? You choose.

HERE IN HEAVEN
by Sam Sachs

Mark Loong, QLD: This year, thanks to Inspire, I have met thousands of young people, circumnavigated Australia, stickered Australian monuments, met the Prime Minister and had a blast doing it all. That said, I'm still uncertain about what defines a 'functional drug user' ...... :P

As I sit here to write about what the workshops were, emotionally, Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton has started to play. Odd as it might seem, I feel this song works really well for this piece. So many of us who gathered in Collaroy for Inspire have been through so much that words have difficulty representing. Some of us have been to some very dark places. Some have come through that and have found the light at the end of the tunnel, or at least can see the speck of light in the distance. Many more still struggle with demons that can seem so uncontrollable and yet, with time, will hopefully be vanquished just as the boogie monster was once destroyed by our favourite night-lights. No matter what life weve led, almost everyone has had a time where theyve had to be strong and carry on. Sometimes we feel that we dont belong here in heaven and perhaps that we are undeserving of the support and joy that we are given. I suppose this brings me to an interesting insight from the weekend. There were around about thirty six young people gathered within the confines of Collaroy Centre, most of whom have fought the boogie monster for their right to a good life. Some of whom have struggled for happiness. Some of whom could tell you their worst fear, and how it still plagues them. And some of whom, while not knowing the exact feeling of those demons, feel the need to help those who struggle. Regardless of how we feel, we were all there fighting for something that we all adore and yet the very nature of the weekend was overwhelming in being surrounded by so much love and support. The weekend was, in all senses of the word, Inspir(ational). There is a lot to be said for meeting the faces belonging to the usernames that weve known for months, if not years, and finally getting to meet in person. It was so amazing, and so fulfilling to get to know people that we knew but didnt know'. It was a busy weekend. It was a tremendous weekend. It was laughter and dance and tears and hugs, all piled into each minute. It was feeling stupid while dressed in some rather ridiculous costume. It was listening to the strategic plan until 11pm, and realizing that many of us had been up since four or five in the morning (if not earlier) but still staying up longer to chat. It was waking up in time for the 7.15am breakfast, and watching the bleary-eyed faces traipse in the door. It was asking many, many more questions than anyone expected. It was love and friendship and so much indescribably more. In reflecting on the weekend, its easy to note just how lovely it is to be involved in such an awesome organization. I would like to extend a personal thanks to each and every one of you who attended. I would also like to acknowledge that some Youth Ambassadors couldnt make it. We did think of you, and we wished that you could have been with us. You, too, inspire us. Reach Out is more than that one weekend, it is more than all of us, and yet it is a part of us, extending beyond each individuals grasp and yet touching us in ways that we once could not imagine. I saw you all in a place that was somewhat like heaven a dream come true and I hope that youll all be strong and carry on even when you feel that you mightnt belong here in heaven.

REPORTS FROM THE THREE WORKING GROUPS

Jess Wilkinson, NSW: Inspire has helped ground me this year through the HSC giving me a purpose to keep a calm head and get out of bed every morning. It's great working with all the other YAs from around Australia they are all really interesting and creative people.

MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING YA-STAFF RELATIONSHIPS

by Nick Backo As a part of the review of the youth participation programs which Inspire runs one key area of focus was how the strong relationship between staff and youth ambassadors can be maintained. I was selected to sit on the working group as a youth ambassador who joined the Reach Out! Community fairly recently (ROYAB 27). As part of this at the recent YA workshop I facilitated a brain storm session on the relationship between RO! staff and YAs. One of the first key discoveries was that quite a few YAs did not currently have a strong, close relationship with RO! staff. This was initially surprising to me but it became evident that time on the part of staff and YAs and also geographical isolation had a big impact. The other early discovery was the way in which YAs do connect with staff is varied and unique to each person. Many prefer internet based chat programs and email over phone - however there was no shortage of young people who did call various staff members. The frequency of contact also varied fairly substantially with YAs contacting staff anytime from a few times a week to every few months. The main staff member(s) contacted were Nikki, Anna and Marianne. From this the discussion changed focus onto ways in which the relationship can be improved and maintained in conjunction with the other improvements to the youth participation program. A few key areas developed including how staff can distribute news and information, how staff can contact YAs and also contact information and feedback on activities. Lots of the YAs participating in the brainstorm noted that it is often hard to stay in touch with staff news (both formal and 'fun' news). Suggestions on how to improve this centred on a possible staff newsletter with a structured format and on a regulat basis. This newsletter could include happenings in the office, Inspire news and a list of what the staff need YA help with. Another popular suggestion was a staff blog and also a stronger staff presence on the forum. This was based around currently often staff don't reply to YA questions on the forum due to staff business and also due to the forums often getting flooded with other posts. Generally most YAs wanted the forums in particular any staff related ones to be more heavily controlled to avoid off topic posts cluttering it. A lot of YAs expressed that they would feel a lot more connected with regular news updates. The means in which staff contact YAs was also discussed. As above an email newsletter and/or a blog were favourite suggestions. A few YAs who are geographically isolated also expressed a sense of isolation especially when they were also the only or one of very few YAs in that location. One suggestion was that staff members could contact isolated YAs on the phone every now and then just to check in and offer advice and encouragement. Most of the YAs said they would be happy to even receive one phone call every few months. A final area of improvement was in the contact information and also the amount of feedback given on tasks. Many YAs said a contact sheet of which staff member to contact for what and how to contact them would be extremely useful as this was often unclear. A flow chart who to contact for YA use was also a suggestion. This would have the added bonus of enabling staff to give a preferential mode of contact. Another key suggestion was that staff could commit to a time frame to reply to any emails/other modes of contact. This would help staff ensure they reply to all requests and also provide YAs with an estimated time frame for a reply. YAs also expressed that when they participate in activites for RO! they quite often recieve no or minimal feedback. One suggested solution to this was that all activities are logged and staff commit to following up after the task is completed - providing the YA with feedback and encouragement. Most YAs said that this would help them feel connected to the staff and improve their work quality and rate. All of these suggestions result in extra work and commitment from both staff and YAs. Some of these suggestions may not be feasible at least for now but now that the areas have been identified and suggestions made a collabarative effort between staff and YAs can result in improvement for the RO! community as a whole, resulting in a stronger, brighter future for Inspire as a whole.

MAINTAINING THE YA FORUMS CULTURE

by Edwina Gardiner During Reach Outs Annual YA Workshop, I was asked to run a discussion on the topic of How do we enhance the current culture in the YA community forums. In my group, we collaborated ideas and they were grouped into two categories, that is: the technical side and the community side The technical side came up with ideas such as: Peer moderation Ability to enforce guidelines for YAs who dont comply Constructing a tool kit detailing how to use the YA forums Mentoring newbies Better information sharing particularly between states Self facilitating YA forum levels depending on level of involvement so you dont become overwhelmed (making it manageable and accessible to new users) Making a dictionary of commonly used terms such as SH and KHL Designing an intro to new users we recommend you look at Having new options such as the ability to tag threads that you want to keep looking at as a reminded to avoid sifting through numerous sections Whether or not to keep the post count Having more frequent newsletter editions The community side came up with ideas such as: Making sure the forums are safe Minimizing cliques Having working groups which also report back to wider community Maintaining connectedness across the states Trying our best to keep active to maintain prior YA vibe Setting an example and trying to establish guidelines through the community vibe Encourage support, understanding and acceptance Keeping that strong division between the community forums and the YA forums Not creating a hierarchy Keeping state based forums Overall it was concluded that discussion would continue on the YA forums after workshops were over so that we could further talk about some of the issues that were raised and properly establish what we want and dont want and how to achieve it.

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PROGRESSION THROUGH YOUTH INVOLVEMENT MODEL

by Rosie Swanton Hi guys At the recent Youth Ambassador workshops I ran a bit of a discussion group about the new Youth Involvement program and how it should be run. For those of you that dont know much about it, the Youth Involvement Program that RO! currently runs is getting a big makeover! To increase the amount and diversity of young people involved with RO, weve decided to remove all the barriers we possibly can and try to arrange a program that caters for all needs, all types of lifestyles, cultures, interest and levels of enthusiasm. We thought it was very important to acknowledge all people who give something, anything, to RO - just because one person doesnt have the resources to complete millions of activities every year doesnt mean their contribution, however small, shouldnt be recognised. So, at the workshops we discussed how this program should be run, what we wanted to keep from the old system, and what we wanted to change. There were 5 levels that we decided were important: 1) Member (who can contribute to website stuff like blog replies, feedback on factsheets etc). 2) First stage - their first introduction to the youth involvement program. This is the level that people are in when they first decide to actively become involved. Basically revolves around forum activity, and is similar to the ROYAB level of involvement. 2) Second stage - someone who is ready to take action... so they are required to have an action plan and generally want to get more involved (some names include youth advisor) This is the level of engagement that most YAs currently sit at; taking action outside the online forums. 3) Third stage would be a YA - someone who has been around for awhile - someone to mentor the newbies and help facilitate conversations etc - pretty much what most of you do now. 4) Alumni (not sure how this would look - but chatting to some ex YAs and some older YAs at the moment - even though some alumni won't be in our age bracket, I still think we need to have something in place for people who have been so passionate about RO/ inspire) The general consensus was that old titles need to be forgotten, and new ones need to be brought in. There were a few suggestions for a name that includes every one e.g RO! Volunteer and each section would have a little section at the end of the title to clarify which position you were in e.g. RO! Volunteer, Contributor. There were some thoughts that it might be good to retain the term Youth Ambassador and leave it as the last level of involvement attainable, but it was generally thought that both ROYAB and ROYL would be forgotten. Once the workshops were over, I think everyone had a clear understanding of why the program is changing and what it means for us current Youth Ambassadors. The next thing we need to workout is how young people will move between these levels without having to fill in any application forms sounds easy right? Not so much. Check out http:// reachout.com.au/forum/index.php?showtopic=10588 to see what people think might work, and to have your say about this topic.

Mathew Bock, ACT: This was my first year as Youth Ambassador, after being involved in ROYAB 27 last year. Being involved in ReachOut! gives me another excuse to talk about why it is so important that we improve awareness and understanding about mental health. Spreading the ReachOut! message I've travelled to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra to do presentations to upwards of 200 university students, and always seem to receive invites to come and talk to people again. Undoubtedly the highlight of my year was going to the YA Workshops in Sydney, which was the first time I really felt a part of a community of people. Other YAs have since become more than faceless names on the forum, but have become dear friends. Thank you everyone for a fantastic first year, and I look forward to many more in the future.

Priceless Workshop Moment Groups are asked to do interpretive dance of Inspires four goals: Reach, Impact, Sustainability and Community. Nik: So, what does this represent? Nick Backo: Inspire is going to invest in pyramid schemes. In case youre wondering, this is to represent sustainability.

Stacey McEwan, WA: A Chinese proverb said: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. This is my year with Inspire. Its impact will forever hold a place in my heart and allow me to continue growing and learning as i keep taking steps in my life.

DOUGS PRESENTATION SUMMARY IS ON THE NEXT PAGE.

Jess Gibbs, WA: 2008 was my first year of being involved with reach out!, and it has been truly remarkable. I went to Sydney to be on the ROYAB, which was crazy awesome and one of the best things I've done with my life so far. I was also privileged to see firsthand the level of passion and commitment that our wonderful YAs give to inspire. To all those who think young people can't make a difference - they must live under a rock in the desert somewhere. ;)

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Speaking about Reach Out and Inspire

A factsheet about the things we want to get across about Reach Out and Inspire, and how best we can do that! Print this out so you can check over it every time you speak about RO or Inspire.

Things we want to do when speakStories

Resources youll find useful when

talking about RO or Inspire Inspire staff and other Youth Ambassadors! Promo gears Stickers, postcards, posters, info pamphlets, annual reports, sticky pads, and T- shirts! Inspire vision, mission, values, dream and strategic plan

ing about Reach Out and Inspire

Connect emotionally with your audience Use stories Use your own words and be genuine the audience wants to know what RO/ Inspire means to you

The need for RO/Inspire

Communicate the need for RO & Inspire Use the Why Inspire slide

How RO/Inspire works

Why Inspire and RO Theory of Change slides Inspire Style Guidelines Inspire DVD and digital stories

Show your audience how RO works and what it does Use the Reach Out Theory of Change slide and start from the end and go back Give your audience an example of a young persons journey through RO, and use a couple of screenshots.

Actions

Get your audience to act Use Think, Feel, Do Give your audience actions!

One slide per three minutes of speech Dont try to say everything less is more! Save your PPT file to a USB, burn it to CD, email it to yourself and print a copy!

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THE INTERNS INTERNSHIP AT INSPIRE

by Becks Mollica Well... I have known about the Inspire Foundation and more so Reach Out for about 5 years now. I was going through some extremely rough times a few years back, and was looking for information on the internet, and came about the website Reach Out. I clicked into the site, and found some really helpful factsheets on all the problems that I was experiencing at the time. Reach Out actually helped me to access help, through the Finding Help section, where I learnt about all the services that were out there in the world in regards to mental health issues. Even now that I have offline help for my mental health issues, I still use the Reach Out website as my first point of call when it comes to helping myself or helping a friend or family member through a tough time. I got involved with the Internship program at Reach Out and Inspire accidentally. It first started when I applied for the ROYAB. A few months later, I got an email from Nikki, saying that even though my application for ROYAB was unsuccessful, Inspire offered an Internship program. I continued emailing Nikki in regards to the Internship program, and realised that I was coming up to completing my first fieldwork placement, and therefore, I spoke to her about my fieldwork placement which was due to begin half way through this year, and we both agreed that it would be good for me to do the Inspire Internship program as part of my uni course.

Amy was another intern with Inspire who have recently completed her internship. She had a short YARN with us before she left.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. My name is Amy Grassel, Im 21 years old, and Im on a semester abroad in Sydney for a few months! I go to Boston University and have one more semester until I complete my psychology degree. I love travelling, music, photography, and nature! I go a little crazy if I have to go too long without being outdoors or creating/listening to music. I also have been painting since I was seven and am very into the arts. I love laughing and hanging out with friends, and my favourite season is summer! Where did you grow up? Im from Queens in New York City- other side of the world! I have lived in NYC my whole life but have travelled a lot and always want to see new places.

Why Inspire / Reach Out? As a psychology major, I wanted to intern somewhere in Sydney related to young people. I didnt know much about Inspire before I started here, but I thought it sounded like an interesting experience. The more I learn about it and explore the website, the more involved I want to get! I love the idea of reaching so many people across such a vast country- and soon across the world! I really didnt know any websites before Reach Out where a young person could go for information or just for a place to let out their thoughts. RO has created a community where anyone can feel comMy Internship with Reach Out started on the 18th June 2008. For fortable and realistically use its resources, which I think is so impor18 weeks, I went to the Inspire office every Wednesday and Thurs- tant and hard to find in many parts of the world. day. I started off working with Marianne on Reach Out Central. For a few weeks, I spent time playing ROC, and writing down any er- Your greatest achievement: rors that came up throughout the course of playing. I then had a Never having been away from home for more than a couple of tele-conference with her, about the errors I found, which she fixed months until this year, I was a little nervous about living in Spain for up so that other young people who played ROC wouldn't experi- a semester. I lived with a family in Madrid who didnt speak a word ence them. From there, I started working with Charlotte on ways in of English, and all my classes were in Spanish. I really learned how which we could turn Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical to feel confident speaking the language and making myself feel at Behavioural Therapy and Crisis Intervention Skills into fun games home in a completely foreign country. When my family came to visit, for young people for when the new Reach Out website was devel- it was great to be able to show them around and translate everything oped. I continued working on this throughout my entire Internship at comfortably. I also travelled around Europe for a month afterwards, Reach Out and Inspire. I also worked with Charlotte on the forums, not knowing the languages or anything really about most of the countries I visited. That semester made me really excited about and it was then that I was officially made a Youth Ambassador. coming to Australia and about travelling alone in the future. While working with Char, I also started working with Anna on the content redevelopment for the new Reach Out website. Quite a The biggest hurdle you've overcome and how did you do it? chunk of my Internship was spent categorising factsheets, stories, The university application process is extremely intense in the states, digital stories, clued up interviews etc into their new categories for and there is a ton of pressure (like anywhere else) to know what you the website redevelopment. Towards the end of my internship I want and who you are at such a young age. I wasnt too happy at became involved in writing factsheets that hadn't been already writ- my uni for a long time because I didnt really know what I wanted or ten for the website. By the end of my internship at Reach Out and how to find that out, and I felt lost in a sea of 30,000 students. I have Inspire, I had learnt so much valuable information about Reach Out been very fortunate to have had the chance to study abroad in and Inspire. My last day as an Intern at Reach Out and Inspire was Europe and in Australia, and getting out of my uni has really taught the 9th October 2008. This was a really sad day for me, as I had me so much more. I tried getting involved in student activities at my grown attached to the Reach Out crew as well as the Inspire crew uni, but that was more of a distraction than actually enjoying myself. Living and working out of the country has helped gear me more as a whole. towards what I want to do with my life, what my own abilities are, and The things that really stood out for me during my Internship with where I want to go. It is so hard to know how to always make the RO and Inspire were that everyone was so welcoming and accept- right decision as to what is best for you, but I think as you live new ing to me being a part of the crew while I was completing my place- experiences, everything becomes a little bit clearer, even if it seems more confusing at first. ment. The atmosphere at Inspire is very calm, laid back and fun. Overall, my time as an Intern at Reach Out and Inspire has been a wonderful experience. I have learnt so much, and much of the stuff I have learnt, I can apply to life outside of Inspire. Since I have became a YA for RO, I have realised how important it is to create awareness about young people and mental health issues, and how much of an impact that the Inspire Foundation has had on young people from all over Australia. My biggest reason for wanting to complete my Internship at Reach Out and Inspire was because of how much the services they provide have helped me. Without Reach Out, I honestly don't know where I would be today, and through doing my Internship, I feel like I have been able to give something back to the organization which in hindsight saved my life. The funniest Aussie slang you've come across: Fair Dinkum! I do not even know how to use that. The best thing about Australia is: Its natural BEAUTY! I have seen so many incredibly beautiful places here, and Ive only seen a tiny portion of the country! I think scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. I also love the cities here and the friendly people! Your life motto: Appreciate everything life throws at you! Even though sometimes life can seem so cruel, you have to smile at all the beauty in our world.

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A YARN WITH THE CEO ABOUT THE BIRTH OF INSPIRES STRATEGIC PLAN
Hello YARNsters! Ehon (aka Ed) has asked me to share some thoughts about Inspire Foundations Strategic Plan why it was developed, how some of the decisions were made and how we are going to achieve it. Thats a whole lot of stuff to cover so Ill try to keep it punchy. The big message is if I dont answer all of your burning questions PLEASE email me at kerry@inspire.org.au. Also, check out the plan at http://www.inspire.org.au/uploads/files/pdfs/Strategic%20Plan_website%20version.pdf So lets start at the beginning (. a very good place to start). Inspire was brought into being by an incredibly visionary man - guess who?!? - who had a burning desire to do something to address the then escalating youth suicide rates in Australia. Quite brilliantly, Jack and the team combined two unlikely things youth participation and the internet to create what is now Australias most accessed youth mental health website Reach Out. In those early days the Inspire team was small, opportunistic, highly flexible and very responsive. They didnt have a plan because they didnt need one - they were in start-up mode and all was good. Organisations, like people, go through stages of growth and maturity. On the growth side Inspire spurted with BeanBag and ActNow. On the maturity side, we started asking questions like: Yep, this is all good but are we making a real difference?, can we scale our impact?, where are we going?!?. Scholars tell us that this is all completely natural - and in fact healthy. What they also tell us is that for an organisation to move from being good to being great, it needs to develop a plan and stick to it like glue. So, at age 11 years it was Inspires time to do that. In going back to the original secrets of success, the strategic planning process expanded the principle of youth participation and invited representatives from every part of Inspire young people, supporters, partners, Board members and staff to attend an All Inspired Summit. The Summit was a 3 day event which drew on the best of Inspire to co-create a new mission statement, a 2020 vision and a set of 2012 goals. The mission statement was one of the hardest bits! One sentence has to clearly answer the most important question of all why does Inspire exist? After listening to everyones input and going through many different versions, Jack nailed it. Inspire exists to help millions of young people lead happier lives. The 2020 vision was borne at the Summit itself and has remained pretty much unchanged. By 2020 every young Australian will know, trust and use Inspires programs when they need them. But how are we going to make that happen?, I hear you ask. Well if the 2020 vision is our destination, then what we needed was a road map to get there. That road map is the 2012 goals. Setting the goals was the next hardest thing. It took 6 months cos the Inspire crew and others needed to do heaps of research to answer some big questions the Summit threw up. The four goals are Reach, Impact, Sustainability and Community. Reach: by 2012, 1 million young Australians under the age of 25 years will have used Inspires programs in that year. At the All Inspired Summit we set a goal of reaching 1.5million young people by 2012 (based on research that there were roughly 3 million young people in Australia). But to reach this goal we had to work out how many young people Inspire was currently reaching. It took a while, but we now know that in the 07/08 year Inspire reached approximately 370,000 young people. With that knowledge, we set a goal to grow three times bigger over the next four years = 1 million young people by 2012. Next we had to think about how to do that. Some bits were obvious, like continuing to reach more young people through Inspires existing programs. Here, we agreed that a big focus would be on digital marketing and awareness campaigns for young people in rural and regional areas. (Yay! I hear you say) But what about the young people we were not currently reaching? Were we relevant to them? We already knew we could be more relevant to one very big group of young people young men so they were included in the plan. We also won some opportunistic funding to develop a website for young people who were using drugs or alcohol regularly but did not yet realise that their use was impacting negatively on their mental health and wellbeing - aka functional drug users so they were included in the plan. (Editor: Refer to Mariannes article on the websites (MessedUp) progression)

Becca Randall, NSW: Since becoming involved with Inspire in Feburary my life has changed completely and all for the better. I've met you, shared my year with you, and grown to love each and every part of Inspire - with that love growing every day. Thank you so much for making Inspire what it is.

But what about other communities of young people who were at greater risk of mental health problems and could be helped by web based services? To answer this question, we hit the books. We researched the mental health risks and protective factors of many identified groups of young people. We looked at the size of the groups, their access to the internet and their levels of literacy. Then asked the hard question: Who are we most relevant to? We found two groups of young people for whom Reach Out and ActNow would be very relevant and helpful they were young carers and same sex attracted young people. So these two groups were added to the strategic plan. These decisions were based on the intent of Inspire becoming more relevant to the greatest amount of young people in the next four years. During this strategic plan (2008 2012) we will capture our learnings as well as the technology developments and apply them to more groups of young people in the next four year plan (2012 2016). The idea is that by the end of the last planning cycle (2016 2020) Inspire will be relevant to every young Australian.

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Before the strategic plan was developed, Inspire engaged marginalised young people through the BeanBag Program. The BeanBag Feasibility Study (plus other Inspire research) showed us that we would be able to reach more young people at risk of mental health problems if the best parts of BeanBag were integrated into Reach Out and ActNow. So we made the difficult decision of closing BeanBag. To read more about this go to http://www.inspire.org.au/news/taking-the-best-of-beanbag-forward.html The last bit in the 2012 Reach goal is to reach more young people by embedding Inspires programs in the places where young people are: schools, health services (www.reachoutpro.com.au) and community organisations (marketing). Impact: By 2012 young people using Inspires programs will experience positive changes in 4 factors know to improve mental health and wellbeing The whole point of reaching more young people is to provide resources, connections and support that improve mental health and wellbeing. The Strategic Plan clearly articulates the mental health and wellbeing improvements all Inspire programs will facilitate. They are: Tim Clarke, NSW :Inspire's A Great Place To Be! That said, the way its run has always Increased social connectedness been on the positive outlook of things, Meet Increased civic engagement lots of great New and Old people and best of Increased help seeking all It doesn't involve me Serving Fast food. :D Decreased stigma. Ok I just did a stocktake and realised that Ive almost written 3 pages! So, in the interests of saving your eye sight I reckon Ill wrap it up here and write another piece for the next YARN (if youll have me!) on the 2012 Sustainability and Community goals. Some exciting stuff is planned in these critical areas and Ill need another 3 pages to do them justice. So thanks Ed (aka Ehon) for the invitation. Hope this has been useful. As always a big thank you to every one of you in the YA community for giving so much, staying so strong and being so inspiring. YARN on. Kerry

SHORT YARN FROM THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Carolyn Morey With the end of 2008 fast approaching I hope that it has been a good year for you. Thank you to each of you for your ongoing energy and commitment to Reach Out and Inspire. Yet again Reach Out has had a massive year - You have worked to make: The YA program bigger and better than ever; Brought Reach Out into the web 2.0 era through the site redevelopment; and Who could go past the YA workshop for a weekend of fun. Congrats for producing such fabulous results. Thinking about Inspire as a whole, it is hard to go past the launch of our 4 year strategic plan. This sets us all up with some hefty challenges for increasing our reach so that more young people are able to access the support they need to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Kicking off with AI in February, we have spent the year talking and crunching numbers to get Inspire's mission and goals robust enough to see us sail into 2012. My personal picks for 2008 are working with operations team to tighten our systems and processes to make them more effective and efficient, Janice coming on board as the new Reach Out Program Manager, completion of the Act Now business plan, Inspire being donated a party for 300 people at Dolton house, new and improved budget processes, XX publications that contribute to building our evidence base, Reach Out going to the US and Ireland. 2009 promises to be a busy one: for the operations team we will be working hard to ensure that staff feel they can be the best they can be, along with continuing to fine tune our policies and procedures to reduce our waste and increase our efficiency. We are always interested in having people help us out so drop me an email if you would like to find out more. I hope you all have a happy holiday and a safe New Year. Caro

INTRODUCTION TO INSPIRE USA FOUNDATION

Jack Heath, Chairman of Inspire USA Foundation Hey Guys, just wanted to give you an update on where things are with Inspire USA and a little bit of history to it as well. In 2006 we got the Bridgespan Group www.bridgespan.org to do a feasibility for taking Reach Out to the US. Bridgespan are the leading nonprofit consulting firm in the US and do a lot of work for some of the large foundations including the Gates Foundation. The feasibility study was funded by Rupert Murdoch who was very close to his late sister Helen Handbury. Along with her husband, Geoff and Helen Handbury, have been Inspire Australias biggest individual supporters. In late 2006 almost exactly a year after Helen had died, I got the chance to meet with Rupert at his New York offices and he offered to fund the feasibility study. The reason for going to the US was that if we were able to have a significant impact on the lives of young Australians then we should look to extend the service to young people around the world. At the same time, we realised that it was essential that we continue to build a better Reach Out for more young people in Australia our strong at home mantra.

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The Inspire Board was always keen to ensure we went about the US expansion in a planned way, hence the feasibility study. When Bridgespan finished their study they showed that there was nothing like Reach Out operating in the US and each year around 3 million young Americans attempted suicide. We then got some additional support from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation who provided the initial support for exploring options for the US. The Macquarie Group Foundation also provided some seed support and then earlier this year agreed to provide a major start-up grant of US$1.1million. None of our Australian funds have gone to setting up in the US. Thanks to all this great support we have been able to start the charge in the US. We now have outstanding leaders although I must say getting this in place has been a huge challenge and the cause of quite a few sleepless nights as well as a lot of time on airplanes over the past two years. Lawrence Patrick is our CEO and Dr Susan Keys our Executive Director. Lawrence has overall responsibility for Inspire USA with his main focus being on fundraising and technology. Susan is looking after program development, evaluation and links with key Government institutions at a Federal and State level. Dr Carmela Lomonaco is the Program Director. I met Lawrence when I was doing a course at Stanford University for non profit CEOs in March 2006. At the time Lawrence was running the Black Alliance For Educational Options www.baeo.org a nonprofit based in Washington DC that was working to provide better education chances for young African- American people who were finding it tough in the traditional education system. Lawrence had been appointed CEO of that organisation when he was only 26 years and grew its income from around $500,000 a year to almost $5m a year. Before that Lawrence had worked as a journalist and in the late 1990s played a lead role in the development of websites for Knight Ridder a major US media business. Of all the people attending the Stanford course, Lawrence was the standout. From that we developed a friendship our wives both work in publishing and when we were setting up Inspire USA I asked Lawrence to join our board. I never imagined he would end up becoming our CEO but I am incredibly pleased that he has. LawSam Sachs, VIC: If life were like a river, and we were rence has just moved his family including his two young chilbut specimens of its currents, then Inspire is for so many dren from New York to San Francisco. This is a big risk for like a lifeboat that picks us up when the waters get too him particularly as raising funds at the current time in the US is choppy. Yet, this year, I learnt to fight for myself with Inspire a real challenge but I dont believe we could have a better perand its people by my side to show me how to be a lifeboat on son to be doing that for us. my own. We came across Susan when we did a presentation last November to the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in Washington DC. SAMHSA is the lead US Federal Government organisation and Susan was in charge of all the Suicide and Violence Prevention programs nationally. Before that she had been a Chair of Department at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health which is renowned as the best public health university in the world. Susans particular background was in counselling and violence prevention and she is one of the lead mental health people in the United States. When she saw our presentation she was incredibly excited and went rushing out of the room to bring in some of her colleagues. Susan said many of us have been saying that the US should be doing more prevention and mental health promotion work and you guys are already doing it!. As it turned out Susan was about to leave Washington DC to head over to Bend, Oregon where her daughters live. Oregon is just north of California and Bend is a one hour flight to San Francisco where we have our US office based. Susan is a great team builder. Carmela, who joined more recently, has spent a lot of time working with gangs in the Los Angeles area particularly around issues of violence prevention. We also have had Griselda join us as the office manager a few weeks ago Griselda has been involved with youth agencies working mainly with Hispanic young people. So if any of you are in the San Francisco Bay Area you should drop by and meet the US team www.inspireusafoundation.org. Our office is on Mission St which is pretty central in SFO and a cool place for us to be based. It actually reminds me of the very first Inspire office on Parramatta Rd, Annandale. Over the coming months, the key US priorities are getting the US version of Reach Out built and fundraising. A big part of the fundraising challenge is that people need to see a service actually operating before they are likely to commit substantial funds to the project. While we have a big grant from Macquarie this will only keep us going for a few more months so there are some really big challenges ahead for the US team. A number of young Americans who spent time in Australia with Inspire are helping out and the wider involvement of young Americans will be key to success in the US. One of the important things to come out of the work in the US is that it has enabled us to establish good links with MySpace and Google. Over the coming years, we see these and other links contributing to delivering a far better service in Australia than if we had just stayed working on Oz alone. As you know, Kerry and the team have developed the Inspire Australia Strategic Plan for the next four years which aims to connect with 1 million young Australians in 2012. Linking up with that many young Australians, and then also millions of young people around the world, will only happen if we continue to get your strong support going forward. I cant stress too much how critical the contribution of Inspire Youth Ambassadors and all other young people who have helped in whatever way has been to bringing Inspire to where it is today. I really appreciate your generosity and also the immense courage so many of you have shown as you have chosen to keep your light burning for your mates and other young Australians you have never met. At a very personal level, you are a constant source of inspiration and I thank you from the depths of my heart. Much love, Jack

Becks Mollica, NSW: Inspire / Reach Out has continued to help me through my tough times this year, and in doing my Internship and becoming a YA, I have been able to give something back to this wonderful organisation. I love the Inspire Foundation and I love Reach Out!! :)

In between his crazy schedules, Jack blogs at http://jackheath.typepad.com

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INSPIRE DIGITAL BRINGS YOU THE SMASHING NEW REACHOUT.COM AND WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED THIS HOLIDAY
by Tandi Rabinowitz (Inspire Digital) OUTLINE: The design and build for the new RO.com website is well under way. Throughout the website redevelopment process the RO crew, Marcomms and Inspire Digital have considered: 1. users fall into two groups - purposeful or confused 2. the large majority of users will be seeking information, while a small proportion will be seeking community 3. help + support will be delivered via evidenced-based information AND experience-based information. while 90% of users will be after information, the more users that leave the service with a sense of connectedness the greater its impact. With the above points in mind the new RO.com site has taken shape. There are three main sections of the site: FIND, EXPLORE + CONNECT. The FIND section build is almost complete. This section of the website will house all info and story based factsheets, video and audio content. Users will be able to find info based on broad themes and via media type. The EXPLORE and CONNECT sections are under development and were the sections of the site that we worked on during the YA workshops. EXPLORE is an emotion based navigation system that will be developed with the help of the RO.com community. EXPLORE is designed to help the confused user find the information they need based an established tagging system. Please thank all YAs again for their participation and enthusiasm in the workshops and let them know that the tags suggested at the workshop were grouped and the six most popular were selected. The final list is: Inspiring; Informative; Reassuring; Positive; Confronting; Brave The main focus of the CONNECT section will be a blog, with multiple contributors staff, YAs, professionals etc and users will be able to comment. CONNECT will also be a place to hear about or access:

Community challenges. An example given was name three things, with people contributing stories about their experience in doing the challenge.
Competitions Order forms for Reach Out merchandise Nick Backo, NSW: My year with Inspire has been well inspirational! Every moment I have spent with Inspire has only increased and reinforced my idea that we are truly changing the world for the better! It is for this reason that I am eternally grateful for the experiences and support that Inspire has given me.

Training tools i.e. presentation templates, fundraising tips, database of speeches Community forums Phase 1 of MY REACH OUT will also be launched by April 09. As per a number of suggestions the my reach out section will feature an interactive diary with the following features:

Place to record who youre feeling at the moment and the reason i.e. I feel______ because_______
will display content suggestions and tips will chart feelings over time will be printable and easily shared with counsellor etc

YA INVOLVEMENT: Lisa Taylor is working on site journeys with interested YAs. We would love to hear from anyone that is interested and willing to share their personal story of how RO.com has helped them through a tough time. For more info email Lisa: lisa@inspire.org.au There will be opportunities for YAs to get involved uploading content into the new CMS (content management system). For more into and detail you can contact Anna: anna@inspire.org.au For now....thats a wrap. Well keep you posted with updates and you can expect to see a BETA testing version of the site early 09.

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A YARN FROM THE MARCOMMS TEAM

A word from The Marketing and Communications Team The MarComms team would like to thank all of you for your contributions this year, in particular your input into the work that our team does. Your feedback and enthusiasm constantly amazes and inspires us to do what we do. We look forward to working with you all in 2009! Who is the team these days and what do we do? Jordana Blank Director of Marcomms. A cross between the Duracell Bunny and a proton energy pill, Jordie is forever pulling incredible ideas out of her hat and whipping up parties for 300 people in the blink of an eye. She hoists the main sail in the team and runs a tight ship! Bridie Henehan - Communications Manager. Woman of the amazing head scarf and hat collection, Bridie basically does everything from managing the content on the Inspire website to producing the Annual Report, EMuse and other bits of 'stuff'. She also rocks a mean air-guitar riff and can peel an orange with a spoon. Bruce Walmsley Marketing Manager. Mr. Bruce Insights Walmsley gets to the heart of what marketing is all about knowing your customer and the lay of the land. Bruce works on campaigns from woe to go and is a collector of all things 50s. Lisa Taylor Marketing Manager. Nearly in her 4th Inspire year Lisa has recently been working with the Digital Team on the new Reach Out site. She reckons its the in thing from way out and cant wait to hit the launch button. Her predictions for 2009 are banjo music, loose fitting pants, grape juice and Australia. Vicki Forbes Marketing Communications Manager. Forbsey as she is often called, is the brains behind the Inspire brand from look and feel to publications. She started at Inspire in 1997 and we cant seem to get rid of her. Johanna Jarvis PR and Media Manager. Jo is the newest member to the team and in her first 2 weeks managed to get Inspire talked about on ABC radio and had the switch phones running hot with requests for tickets to our party. This one is out the gate and running!

Highlights and news from the Marketing & Communications crew - Brand spanking new Annual Report for release in early December - New mission statement and functionality on the Inspire site to help generate community, fundraising and donations - New Inspire look and feel for all publications (see Annual Report when it comes out) - Team created look and feel at this years All Inspired Summit - Reach Out Life Sucks Campaign on billboards, taxi backs and online - The ActNow Challenge sent 2 young people to Central Australia to work with Indigenous communities http://www.actnow.com.au/ Stories/The_ActNow_Challenge.aspx - Refreshed Reach Out brand identity to tie-in with new site. Includes new logo and colours scheme for use on the site - Reach Out reached 56% awareness amongst 16 25 year old Australians - Bruce produced an in-depth research report on youth trends called Being Young for use as background to campaigns and for program work across Inspire moving forward - Launched the Reach Out/ Jay Jays Friendship Bands in September which sold out in 2 months - Billabong fundraised for Reach Out through sales of the Strong bracelet - Produced the new Inspire DVD with Sasha(RO), Alex(AN) and Julia(BB) - Produced 2 new ROTV episodes on drug use - Worked with Joe Campbell who rode his motorbike around Australia for Inspire and Reach Out in the Ozzie Road Trip - RO was the charity partner for the Surfing 50 States movie in Australia and the US http://www.surfing50states.com/

Ehon Chan, SA: It's been another indescribable year for me with Inspire, RO and all the people involved - from the All Inspired Summit and World Conference to the WA Community Advisory Board Meeting and YA Workshop, and for that, thank you all involved! 10 years, 1 website, a group of amazing community and shitloads of awesome, inspiring young people. Go figure.

Whats coming up? A word from Jordie! 2009 is all about making Inspires marketing Web 2.0-style! And we need your help! Are you a legendary twitterer? How many avatars do you have? Do you know your digg from your del.icio.us? Are you a gamer? MySpace your thang? If you are, then we want you! We have lots to do to promote RO & AN and Inspire and we need all the help we can get. We are looking for a digital media student or an enthusiast who knows their way around all the new fandangle social networking sites and tools someone who wants to volunteer or be an intern with us. Are you out there? If so contact Jordana on jordana@inspire.org.au or 0488 004 513

Dani Stapleton, NSW: This year, Inspire has been like my childhood stuffed dog Wolf-Wolf. I don't carry him around with me everywhere however, when I need to feel secure, loved and warmly positive he's right there on my bed ready to hug. Inspire has shown me this year that even if I'm not always in the midst of things I can still play a part, be included and come back for a hug.

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For all research publications, visit http://www.inspire.org.au/researchand-policy-research-library-recentpublications.html especially if you are interested in youth participation, marginalised young people, and other youth mental health related reads.

INSPIRE YAs STAR AT INTERNATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

by Michelle Blanchard (Research and Policy) As part of Margins 2 Mainstream: 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Mental & Behavioural Disorders, the Inspire Foundation partnered with VicHealth and the Victorian Government to facilitate young peoples involvement in the conference. Throughout August the Inspire team facilitated online discussions with young people via the Reach Out forums around the four social determinants of mental health: social participation, freedom from violence, freedom from discrimination and access to economic resources in order to inform the Melbourne Charter on Mental Health Promotion a statement of global principles to inform work in this area. Two of our Reach Out Youth Ambassadors, Ehon Chan and Doug Millen, then worked with Michelle Blanchard, from Inspires Research & Policy team to write a report, which Ehon and Doug then presented at the conference. Young peoples involvement in this conference and in putting forward ideas for inclusion in the charter is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, 75% of mental illness begins before the age of 25 and as a result lots of mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention activities focus on this age group. Secondly mental health is everybodys business! So it was important that the charter reflected the views of people from a wide range of ages, backgrounds and experiences. Finally we know that the Reach Out YAs and community members have AWESOME ideas so it was great to create a high profile platform for those to be heard. Huge congratulations to Ehon and Doug who delivered one of the stand out presentations of the conference, highlighting the importance of technology in young peoples lives and its role in helping young people to lead happier lives. Thanks also to all of the Youth Ambassadors and Reach Out Community Members who participated in the online discussions and helped Ehon and Doug with their presentation.

ARACY SUPPORTS INSPIRE

by Dr Jane Burns (Research and Policy) The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) have provided seed funding for Inspire to join with others to explore "The role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in promoting positive mental health among marginalised young people". This collaboration brings together academics, practitioners and young people to explore what role information and communication technology (ICT) can play in promoting positive mental health among marginalised young people. It focuses on four specific groups at risk: young people living with an intellectual disability, young people living with a learning disability, young carers and young people with a chronic illness. If you're interested in readhttp:// ing more please visit www.arac y.org.au/AM/Tem plate.cfm ? Section=JBurns. Michelle will be posting on the forums information on the project and feedback on how young people can be involved.

The biggest hurdle you've overcome and how did you do it? I've been pretty lucky in life, but I have had some periods where it was very hard to see the purpose of life and what direction I was Tell us a little bit about yourself. heading in. This became a real problem at one stage after a relaI live with my partner and two beautiful puppies in North Western Sydney. I love the outdoors, gardening, reading, and hanging out tionship breakdown. Just when you think you know where life is with friends and family. I love to travel and my next dream trip is to going - the world deals you a whammy! I felt like I was in a black hole with no way out. I had lots of great friends and family to fall see some of the amazing sights of Outback Australia. back on but I needed to talk stuff through with someone who was more impartial. I started seeing a counselor and it was great to be I grew up in Doonside in Sydney's western suburbs and always able to learn strategies to work through all of the stuff that was loved sport. So when I finished school I went to Wollongong University and trained as a health and PE teacher - much to my Dad's going on in my life. Occasionally now I still have flat spots - but I'm now able to recognize when these are starting and have stratedismay I think! gies to make sure I don't fall into that black hole. For me - physical activity and hanging out with friends are the key to staying posiWhen I graduated from Uni I started my teaching career in Sydtive. ney's South West and then Sydney's West. The last six years I have spent working for the Department of Education in the CurIs the Reach Out Crew pod messy? *in all honesty* riculum Directorate. It meant I had to move out of the classroom and instead of teaching students I have been teaching teachers - I If you'd asked me that last Tuesday (11/11/08), I would have said YES!! But we had an office clean up and we found a lounge chair know which are the better learners (and its not the teachers!!). in the crew pod that I didn't even know was there! Nik and Anna are still arguing over whose mess it was! It was through this job that my destiny became clear. Inspire and the Education Department formed a very strong partnership and I If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? worked closely with Jono, Caro and Anna on a number of projects. This was when I fell in love with Inspire, its people and eve- Narrow-mindedness rything that they stand for! The role of Reach Out Program Manager brings together everything that I am passionate about - work- Life motto: Do what ever you can today to put a smile on someone else's ing with young people, promoting mental health and using techface. nology.

OUR NEW SPARKLING REACH OUT MANAGER, JANICE, GOES UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT FOR YARN

Your greatest achievement: Still working on it - maintaining my currently perfect relationship through all of the ups and downs of life!

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A WORD FROM THE RO MANAGER

Janice Atkinson Its been a whirlwind start at Inspire for me. I had only been in the two days when I was off to Melbourne for the Annual Adolescent Health conference. It was a great chance to hang out with the RO crew as well as find out all of the latest and greatest in the area of Adolescent Health.

A ROC-er WHO DOES DRUGS

Marianne Webb, RO Interactive Manager - I've moved to Melbourne! As much of the time I'm working by myself (Michelle is part-time) I *always* welcome random calls and visits! I sometimes work from home, so just give me a call to see if I'm in the office or, if I'm at home, we can catch up. Mobile number 0407 368 721 or office 03 9825 5165.

The crew were able to fit in some social activities and on Thursday - ROC: I'm working on the next lot of scripts for ROC which night we went and saw Wicked. From this point forward Charlotte will will focus on help-seeking. So I'm looking for a working group now be known as G-Linda, the G is silent!! to help wtih ideas around how to develop content and gameplay, as well as reading and giving feedback on scripts. It This week I've been over in WA speaking with the education sectors would be from around Jan to April-ish and consist of may 1 about the new Heads Up teachers resource and the RO Teachers hour per week. So email me marianne@inspire.org.au if Network. All of the meetings were very positive and hopefully there you're interested. In the meantime, looking for general ideas, will be some very fruitful relationships that will come about. I also suggestions here: http://reachout.com.au/forum/index.php? caught up with Stacey, Amanda and Leah at the WA Community showtopic=10433 Advisory Board meeting. WA is definitely a hive of activity and enthusiasm that we will certainly be tapping into. - ROC: there is also a batch of unreleased plots that will need testing over the next month. I would be ETERNALLY grateful Next week I'm heading down to Melbourne to meet with all of the if some of you were able to volunteer. Basically it's identifying Health and Physical Education curriculum leaders from around Aus- any of those nasty bugs are in the system, to make sure it's tralia to discuss the Heads Up resource and get some feedback on all working smoothly before being released to the public. how to roll it out to schools. Hopefully we will be ready to launch the final resource by the beginning of the school year in 2009. We cur- - Messed Up: has FINALLY started! yay! The site aims are to rently have about 25 teachers who have volunteered to trial it at their Increase young people's capacity to make informed and safe schools this year. decisions around their drug use (concentrating on amphetamine-type substances), Decrease young people's dangerous Shout out for ideas: Are there any sites that YAs know about and drug use over time and encourage help-seeking where apuse that allow young people to design and publish Avatars for free. propriate. The site will be launched in June 2009. I'm curThey need to be sites where there is minimal advertising and no rently recruiting a youth advisory board to participate until hidden catches. One of the steps in the Heads Up resource involves June. So if you know of anyone who might be suitable let me creating characters and we want to suggest a few websites where know - the board will come from teh target audience - aged students can create their own avatars to publish into a powerpoint 18-25 and have experience in recreational drugs and harm presentation. If you know of any can you drop me an email with de- minimisation. Like the development of RO, the youth advisory tails at janice@inspire.org.au board will play a cruicial in developing content, design and marketing!

To follow Mariannes drug progress, go to

http://gettingmessedup.wordpress.com

- have started a RO Twitter. Follow us here: www.twitter.com/ reachout Please let me know if you have any suggestions of how we could use it!

Lia May Ursich, WA: I guess Reach Out / Inspire has helped me follow my dream of wanting to study Youth Work.

YOUTH PROGRAMS CO- YOUR WELLBEING, HER RESPONSIBILITY Charlotte Beaumont-Field ORDINATOR YARN
Nikki Thomas 3 Inspire records broken at the workshops: - Inspire record for the most amount of post-it notes used at a workshop - Inspire record for consecutive short jokes directed at the one person - Inspire record for the most amount of young people attending the one workshop! Charlotte, the Wellbeing Manager, started at the end of April 2008. In this time she has had to get used to computers and the wonderful world of technology!

Her main focus this year is on the Reach Out Online Community Forums (ROOCF) to design and implement a new model with the intention of opening the forums for longer hours. A trial model has been implemented and new moderators have been recruited! Charlotte works closely with members of the forum to ensure that they are linking up with professional services and provides support to the moderators of the ROOCF. There are many more fantastic things to come to the forums like guest speakers and - Thanks everyone for your all the heart, psycho-educational groups to be run...so stay tuned for those developments! thoughts and soul that you put into the workCharlotte has also been helping out with the RO Link project which is an exciting new shop! - If you want to know more about whats go- project which would help young people connect with professional services quickly, ing on in the office check out my blog http:// and will hopefully encourage groups of young people who normally do not look for help. So this is very exciting!!

reachout.com.au/forum/index.php? showtopic=9327&st=220&#entry173196 Charlotte has also been looking at the content for the Reach Out site and exploring
- If you want to know more about the crew and their randomness, check out our facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/ profile.php?v=feed&id=516619066 - Or if youre slightly obsessed you can add my twitter (I think you just add me by my email nikki_2261@hotmail.com) through that you will find all the Inspire ppl. areas that need to be strengthened and some other areas that need to be updated. A lot has had to be re-prioritised however as the launch of the new Reach Out site has consumed the Inspire Foundation and its staff!

Charlotte has also been involved in running the monthly HABBO infobus on the HABBO website. This involves running short info groups with HABBo users around particular topics to deliver tools for them to use and to promote the RO site.

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RO PROGRAM COORDINATOR UPDATE

by Anna Mackenzie Hi everyone! First of all I just want to say a big thank you for all the amazing work everyones being doing to help RO presentations, offers of specialised expertise, amazingly valuable feedback with the redev, tiring hours finding images for the new site Im overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm, and so grateful for your commitment and passion for RO, so THANK YOU!! Lots happening here as you might have gathered! By the time you get this newsletter we will (fingers crossed) be uploading content and populating the brand spanking new RO website woo hoo! Rori Hancock, NSW: Inspire has been really Theres going to be a lot of work: empowering for me this year. It's been the first year I've really gotten involved and it's just Getting the content up thats a lot of content!! such a boost of confidence and spirit to be surYou guys testing it and making sure its working and looks right rounded by people who care as passionately Starting to populate the site with comments etc. about young people's issues as I do. And very soon Ill be looking for people interested in moderating comments more info soon please express you interest here: http://reachout.com.au/forum/index.php?showtopic=10830 Im also organising a bit of a working group for fact sheets (reviewing, checking links, creating new fact sheets where required) check out this link for more info: http://reachout.com.au/forum/index.php?showtopic=10530&pid=170278&st=20&#entry170278 Other things to mention are that the RO Teachers Network is going strong Janice will most likely be taking over the reigns on this one. We had our first webinar presented by Jono on 24 November, Why the Internet changes everything: The Social Impact of Technology, which was a great success. The link should be up on the Reach Out Teachers Network site shortly. Were also about to start pilot testing the Heads Up resource it will be ready for official launch next year. Thanks for all your feedback on this one weve also been speaking with students from Balmain High who are more in the target age group. Janice led the development of this one from the NSW Department of Education and Training side of things and theyve done a wonderful job. Itll be available for all to see soon. Anyway - keep up the amazing work and thank you again for everything you do for RO!

GANGSTAR WELLBEING MANAGER ROCKS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Charlotte Reach Out Wellbeing Manager she makes sure youre well - especially on the Reach Out Online Community Forum Charlotte (aka Shallot, Charlotte the Harlot, Chuckie, ChaCha, Char, Lotte etc etc) graduated from a sandy/surfy Perth Uni with a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Criminology. Charlotte has recently begun her Masters in Forensic Psychology and (tells her Mum that) she loves the challenge!! Shes been working with young people for years so not only does she feel old, she also has heaps of experience. Charlotte is intensely proud of her ability to match her extensive earring collection to her equally extensive clothing collection and loves to surround herself with pug photos, travel the world and hang with friends and young peeps to get the 411. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Perth (born in Syd but I got the truck out of dodge when I was 2 years old.amazing for a 2 year olddont you think?) I lived in Mexico for a year when I was 15. Ole! And I moved to Sydney town in April 2005.

achievement. It is so amazing how other things follow from this journey and you realise that there is always more to learn. Wisdom is knowing that there is much more to learn The biggest hurdle you've overcome and how did you do it? UmMy father, who was my world died of a disease that I found out I have too. There was no simple way as to how you get through something like this. When he first died.everything died. I couldnt stand to be around anyoneand made a lot of stupid choices. BUT I learnt from all those choicesand piece by pieceI grew wiser. When I found out that I too had the disease I went through another grieving situation. It was hardbut it is MY journey. I guess the best way I know to get through a difficult time is not to make it your identity. Many people make their illness or their struggle WHO they areand that simply keeps the bad time alive. When emotions subside a bitand with timeI work out what I can learn from the situationand I use what I have LEARNT to become part of who I am. I do not hold on to being a victim. Open your eyes around you too.everyone on this planet has a storya journey that they go through.

Why are you a 'gangsta'? Honestly because when I first started in youth work I tried really Why Inspire / Reach Out? hard to be coolbut I wasntand I couldnt establish the rapport Um.I needed a place of employmentthere was an adI was I wanted/needed with the YPs. So, I made fun of my faults and a candidateworlds collidedhere I is. proudly showed my strengths and presented a balanced picNo, I didnt really know much about this place. I worked with a girl tureand rapport was never easier to establish. The gangsta who used to be an ActNow Intern who told me some stuff about stuff came after working with juvenile justice young ones who this Inspire Foundationsomething about cake and chatting. And were so serious (it was hilarious but great) about the gangsta when I saw the job ad ..I thought hey, I could give that acstuff, I decided to break it up a bit and be gangsta too.as I tion a crack. And I cracked indeed. knew I wouldnt pull it off. I was well received because they knew All of my experience prior to this has been in residential settings I was just making fun of myselfand the rest is history. like refugesso this was a whole new world to me. I love to learn new thingsand this seemed like an acehot place to learn. If we're giving you a pug - any preference? Your greatest achievement: Well, I guess working out the meaning of my lifeI know, I knowHow wise do I sound? No, seriously, Im in the process of working out why I and many others go through what we go through. I have some blue prints? Rough sketches? Butchers paper scribbles? Anyhoosome form of rough documentation in my brain of why I am here, and that is totally my greatest First of alldont tease me about giving me a pug!! I am going to have two Both will be cream coloured with black faces. One will be a small female; the runt of the litter. She will be called Bean. The other will be male and largerand a little bit gruff. He will be called Oscar. Werd

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REACH OUT PRO BACK ON TRACK

Kellie Howe (RO Pro Manager) Hi there. I am the new Reach Out Pro Manager, I started here at Inspire in October. For more details about me I am featured in this editions Spotlight. (next page) Id also like to introduce the Reach Out Pro Intern, Tanya Pretilia who starts with us on Monday, volunteering three days a Meke Newey, QLD: This has really been my first year week. involved with Inspire/Reach Out in person. In just over a year I have been lucky enough to travel to Sydney Reach Out Pro has been on hold for a while with a change to three times and to have the chance to meet some really the program manager position but the program is again in full cool people, have some really fun times and learn more swing with the due date for completion being 28 February and about Reach Out and who the people are that keep evelaunch planned for March 2009. rything ticking. Its been great! Reach Out Pro Program Objectives The purposes of Reach Out Pro is to: Increase health care professional understanding of how internet based technology and Reach Out can be used to engage young people in improving their mental health and wellbeing. Increase health care professionals awareness of Reach Out Increase health care professionals understanding of the role technology plays in the world of young people and how it allows them to express themselves and connect with their peers What Does this Really Mean for Young People? What this means is that we believe young people might benefit in their recovery of a mental health issue if GPs, social workers, psychologists, school counsellors etc refer young people to Reach Out and other useful internet sights for information and support that they can check out in their own time or between sessions. The website will provide health care professionals with practical examples of how they can use technology when providing support for mental health issues - eg referring a young person to review a forum on Reach Out; or - asking a young person to try ROC and then asking them what they got out of it; or - encouraging health care professionals to use SMS to remind of appointments; -encouraging health care professionals to invite a young person to show them their face book site in a consultation. Why do this?!! The website will also educate health care professionals on new technologies so that they better understand and can better communicate with young people Because.. establishing a good relationship with a health care professional is one of the most important first steps to obtaining help from a health care professional for a mental health problem. Particularly if a young person is depressed or feeling particularly low about themselves, communicating with a health care professional can be extremely intimidating but looking at a face book site together or looking at some Reach Out resources together and inviting the young person to give their opinion just might help the young person feel at ease and get the relationship started on the right foot. Do you agree? Stay tuned for a scheduled YA forum, I will be seeking feedback. Would You Like to Assist? At present, I am looking for assistance in two areas: Help to write a brief glossary of terms: We would like young people to explain to health care professionals and teachers exactly what Twitter, facebook, beebo, a podcast, a vodcast, myspace etc etc are. If you think you can help write this glossary using What, Why and Who as guide (ie what is Bebo, Why use Bebo, Who uses Bebo), I would love to hear from you. Please email me at: kellie@inspire.org.au Joining a virtual team to advise health care professionals. As part of this team we will be asking you to put together a couple of different pieces for the website including ie RO Crew Top 10 Tips for Working with Young People. You might like to join this team if you have opinions about how health care professionals can make their services and their mode of communication more in tune and less intimidating for young people. You may even have some ideas about what resources you think are really useful for a young person to discuss in a consultation or to be referred to when they are struggling with a mental health problem. Please email me at: kellie@inspire.org.au to express your interest in being part of this team. This will involve participation in 1-2, I hour virtual meetings in December, and a couple of hours of your time to review or write materials. I may also be looking for additional support in Jan/Feb if you want to put your name forward as interested. Thanks for reading this. Enjoy your holidays and have a very Merry Christmas. Kellie

Noelle Graham, NSW: In true facebook addiction style - Noelle is: greatful for the love and support from the Inspire community, anticipating 2009, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best for 09 and still in awe of the strength of every single inspiring and beautiful person she's met through Inspire.

Ready to ROC some more? Marianne continues ROC-ing at

http://reachoutcentral.wordpress.com

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KELLIE, RO PRO MANAGER GOES UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Tell us a little bit about yourself. Since leaving university in I have lived in a few different places and held a number of different work roles which I think have kept my life interesting and hopefully made me a more interesting person. Most would argue that living in Adelaide and Canberra could not possibly make me a more interesting person but I beg to differ. Ive spent the last 4 yeas in Sydney and also had 3 years in Cairns. Career wise, I started out as a registered nurse working with children, then moved into project management. Ive worked for the Department of Health and Ageing and more recently I worked in a communications role for a pharmaceutical company. The big thing happening in my life right now is that I have a baby due in March. My mission is to complete the website site Reach Out Pro before maternity leave. On return from maternity leave I am planning to have a long and happy career with the Inspire Foundation. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Adelaide, South Australia. Many people hold this against me. While I have not lived there for more than 10 years, I still think it is a great place to live and very affordable, though I am very concerned about the effects of climate change. They have never had good water but now its looking more like no water. Why Inspire / Reach Out? I have come across the Reach Out website a number of times working in mental health and seeing hearing about the website on JJJ. Such a great concept and a great way to provide trusted information to all young people about going through tough time and/or who need information on mental health issues. The Inspire Foundation is a fantastic organization and I am very pleased that I made the move to join them. Your greatest achievement: I am 156 cm, ie 5 2 in height and while I have always loved sport, much to my disappointment Ive never really made it in the big league. But, in 1993, the big opportunity came my way and I represented Australia in a sporting team! I was selected for the under 23 Australian team and we played the Dutch in their tour to OZ. Holding onto my greatest achievement I will not let the memory be undermined by the fact that no one has ever heard of Korfball and there actually werent that many of us to select from!

For an explanation of korfball see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korfball or http:// video.google.com.au/videosearch? hl=en&q=korfball&um=1&ie=UTF8&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#. Technology is indeed marvelous. When I played Korfball, there was no help via the internet or Utube to help explain what Korfball is. This video actually makes Korfball look pretty good (well, according to me)! The biggest hurdle you've overcome and how did you do it? I have answered this question and the one below in one response. Probably, the biggest challenge I have faced There have been two big challenges in my life. Facing a family break up when I was 12 and a relationship breakup with a person with whom I dated and lived with for all of my 20s. Both events rocked my world. When I was 12, I managed by keeping a diary to share my thoughts and feelings, I joined a youth group and was fortunate to have a dog who I trained and loved dearly. With my relationship break up, it was about setting new goals, thinking again about who I was and what I wanted, working my way through the packets and packets of tissues and sharing my burdens with friends. And in the midst of being down, having a really good laugh because there is a funny side to all events and thats what makes life enjoyable. What's the silliest thing any of the crew has done or said to you? Havent been here long enough to witness anything too ridiculous, however I did find Annas comment to a recent all staff email fairly amusing. Email to staff: PARKING WARNING for future.... all cars out front in 1hr zone have been fined Annas reply Parking Inspectors obviously do go out in the rain! Your favourite place in the world? I really cant decide, my favourite countries are Spain, Ireland and Australia. Im pretty fond of Australia, in particular the Bungle Bungles and landscape in the Kimberly region and some of the beaches, rainforests and waterfalls north and south of Cairns in Queensland. Your life motto: Always look on the bright side of life.

Bronwyn Fisher, SA: This year with Inspire the highlights for me was promoting Reach Out at mental health week, writing factsheets and the ReachOut Youth Ambassadors workshop in Sydney. We have all worked really hard and had a lot of fun. The way that Inspire inspires and encourages young people to participate is very empowering. Inspire truly has been a positive life changing experience for me. Much love to the crew and all the YAs.

Back L to R: Charlotte, Janice and Marianne Front L to R: Anna, Kellie and Nikki

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At the end of 2007, I turned 25 I closed a chapter on my life that had had made up almost 1/3 of it. My days as a Youth Ambassador officially ended and I headed out into the big wide adult world, better equipped for my quarter life crisis should it ever present itself! Im pleased to say that as I now prepare to turn 26 my quarter life crisis never really eventuated and the third of my life I spent with the Inspire Foundation has provided me with a range of skills, abilities and experiences. I came to Reachout by chance really - keen to get involved with my community and hearing about the Youth Advisory Board on the radio. This chance encounter led to 8 years of involvement and over the years Inspire has meant for me - a stronger connection to my community, increased skills in leadership and resilience and a huge network of like minded and dedicated people right around the world. During my eight years of involvement, Id say inspire has changed my thinking, taught me acceptance, that being yourself is ok, and that tough times will always be there but there are always ways to see it through. Id like to say a big thankyou to all the wonderful folks who have been part of my Inspire journey - staff, supporters and fellow YAs have all played equally important roles in my involvement. As I begin my next chapter, its actually difficult to think of Inspire not being such a dedicated part of my world but I have a sneaking suspicion that no matter the roads I travel that the friends, memories, places I have made or encountered with Inspire will follow me. All the best for your own Inspire journeys, Billie-Jo

Congratulations to Ren and her partner who welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Zanna Mae on the 5th July 2008. Ren is our Youth Ambassador (from South Australia) who graduated earlier this year.

When I was 16 one of my sisters suggested I should check out reachout when I checked I saw how to get involved and jumped at it. I manly was a forum contributor I never really did much promotional stuff apart from getting a few write ups in the local paper and youth mag. I was a YA for 3 yrs and gave it up after losing the passion for being a YA. I thought that if I didn't have the passion or drive to help as a YA I should give my position to someone else. Moleybear ROYAB 20

Well I guess I'm speaking from the grave here, but it's only been 9 months since I've left as a YA. My personal journey with RO! and Inspire started way back in Sep/Oct 2000 (Yes way back when the Sydney Olympics were on). My first contact was with RO!RRT (Reach Out Rural and Regional Road Trip) when it was touring WA. It must have been the trip to Sydney that got me onto that PC to apply for ROYAB, but at the same time, I was going through my own issues. Any ways, over the time, I got to work with some amazing YA's, probably went through about 4-5 Youth Programs Coordinator (Nikki is the best if you really must know, Sorry Pip) over the 7 and a bit years that I was with RO! and about 3 redesigns of the site. I will pass on a piece of wisdom to all those who have just started with RO!; have fun while on your on this journey, as it can take you to many places that you might not dream of right now. Have a Safe and Happy New Year Guys Dan Corunna, Former YA, Perth.

My Life With(out) Reach Out - Michelle When I first logged on to Reach Out! in 1999, I kind of had a sense that it wasnt entirely normal for Mum to check the house 10 times before we went out or refuse to go out with Dad and us on the weekend, but I didnt realize that it was something that could be treated or changed for the better. Reading through the factsheets and stories on Reach Out!, I soon realised that lots of young people grow up with parents with chronic illnesses and that some of the stress I was feeling may have actually had a lot more to do with having a dad whos sick all the time and a mum with depression and an anxiety disorder. Using the Reach Out! site encouraged me to find out a lot more about mental health and I went on to study psychology and adolescent health at University. I volunteered for Inspire and Reach Out! while I was at Uni and Ive spent the last couple of years working with young people. Now have a great role at Inspire conducting research to help improve online services for young people. Eight years on, I think Im a much stronger person and better able to cope with the challenges that go along with having parents with chronic illnesses. Im much more objective and able to support Mum when shes having a bad day and much more patient with Dad. Im much less afraid to ask for help or to stand up for those things I feel strongly about. As a result of hearing me talk about the work Reach Out! does, Mums even managed to get some help and is much happier and healthier that she used to be hopefully things will stay that way.

Hello YAs! This is a greeting from an ex-YA that hails all the way back from ROYAB 12 in 2002 when Inspire was only a fraction of what it is today. There is never a dull moment when you are a YA, from talking in front of 2000 people to putting stickers on every flat surface I could find, I will always hold my YA memories as my favourites. Some of you I know, some of you I don't, but I know I can say that all of you are who I call my friends. If we don't see one another for a week, a year, or a decade, it doesn't matter the time, you are always welcome at my place for 1 hour or 1 month. A big shout out to all the staff and volunteers ... you are all very special people and I am proud to have been around so many talented and caring people. I would not be the man I am today had it not have been for some random net surfing in 2002 that landed me at reachout.com.au. Take care of yourselves and each other, lots of love - your friend.... Wil.

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