A Part of the Crowd Lived-Experience Advisory Group

I’m Li, I was born in Malaysia but now proudly Australian. My work background is in data/research/human services but I am passionate about youth engagement, work/study, creative industries and mental health in particular. I joined the advisory group to hear other people’s stories, share my experiences and try and improve how things work for young people.

Hello, I’m Toby from Hong Kong. I’m passionate about mental health advocacy, with an interest in digital interventions and suicide prevention. I am involved in different roles in this space, including Text Crisis Supporter at Lifeline Australia and Youth Advisory Group Member at Orygen Digital. I joined this group to contribute my lived experience in my life transition moving to Sydney, and to learn about other experiences of loneliness and social isolation.

I’m Alison, 21 years old, and I’m thrilled to join the A-part of the Crowd LEAG. I have a deep love for the beach and connecting with those around me. I am a carer for my nanna, and studying a Bachelor of Communication through Deakin university. I’m excited to bring my enthusiasm and unique perspective to the team as I continue to learn and grow.

Kush is from Boorloo (Perth) and is studying a Doctor of Optometry. He is passionate about empowering young people with disabilities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. He has a varied background in not-for-profit organisations ranging from volunteering with Youth Disability Advocacy Network (YDAN) and UN Youth Australia and currently working with the Orygen on their National Youth Advisory Council. Kush comes from an immigrant background and in his work with the APOTC team, aims to create a positive change through awareness by using his perspective. He is also a keen advocate for mental health and wishes to reduce stigma in communities so that people can access help when they need it.

My name is Grace (they/her) and I am a young person with a lived experience of neurodiversity and overcoming mental health challenges. I have volunteered in various mental health initiatives, contributing my insights to improve health research and services. I believe digital mental health interventions can play an important role in the help-seeking journey, and lived experience co-design is key in their development.

My name is Tyesha 🙂 I come from a mixed Australian/African American background, and have lived on Whadjuk Noongar country (Boorloo/Perth) my whole life. I’m currently in my final year of studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)! I currently work for the Youth Affairs Council of WA (YACWA) to reduce violence and tackle gender inequality through prevention work (a huge passion of mine!). I do some disability support work on the side, and work on campus in areas regarding student wellbeing. I am also a member of the Youth Advisory Groups for a handful of youth-focused organisations. I am passionate about ensuring that young people’s perspectives and voices inform service design and delivery so that services are inclusive, safe, and relevant to their needs. I have lived and living experience of mental ill-health and neurodivergence. I am passionate about not only using my experience to help other young people, but also learning from my peers and hearing their experiences too. In my (very little) free time, I love to crochet, learn Spanish, and hang out with my adorable nieces, nephews, and siblings!

My name is Gianna, and I am a member of the A-Part of the Crowd LEAG. I am a young person who is passionate about improving the world of mental health, in saying this, my goal is to be the best advocate possible in this area. I have a wide range of lived experience in the mental health field which is a strong motivator for me working in this area. I live in regional Victoria, providing a unique perspective to mental health services, making accessibility for individuals in remote areas a particular focus of mine. A-part from this (see what I did there?), I am a first year university student studying Occupational Therapy, which is another long term goal of mine. I am also currently working as a swimming teacher at my local aquatic facility, which I thoroughly enjoy. I have a little brother who is the center of my world, who is very cute, meaning he gets away with lots! Ultimately, I am a part of this organisation to help us all get one step closer to an improved field of mental health, helping people of all ages in any way that I can.

Hi, my name is Jemma (she/they) and I’m so excited to be joining the APOTC LEAG from Ngunnawal and Ngambri country in Canberra, ACT. I am in my second year, studying for a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / International Relations at the Australian National University. My professional experience spans international, federal and state levels, government and the not-for-profit sector, focussing on youth affairs, gender equality, social and environmental justice, and international development. Currently, I am the Co-Chair of the ACT Youth Advisory Council, non-executive director of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition, and member of the Australian Government Prevention of Gender Based Violence Youth Advisory Group. As a young person with a keen interest in promoting young people’s mental health and wellbeing, I look forward to working with the APOTC team, the Alive National Centre, and Medibank to create a better future for young Australians experiencing loneliness during life transitions.