In this episode of "Having a YACC" Andrew and Jarred chat with Karina about the importance of listening to young people and Karina shares a story about how listening can save a life. They also have a discussion about how to design youth programs and the elements required to successfully engage young people in them. We also hear about the significant impacts that youth programs can have on young people, their parents and even teachers.

Michelle is a firm believer that knowledge is power, and when we are taught to recognise our own God-given strengths, then we are empowered to take action each and every day to be the best version of ourselves. As an educator, she strongly advocates for education travelling far beyond the four walls of any classroom. All of her work is created to support individuals develop and sustain habits of good health and positive thinking that is life-long and sustainable. Michelle strives to have people acknowledge and understand that they themselves are the authors of their own stories that they so wonderfully create in life. 

Michelle and Andrew discuss how the approach of positive psychology can have an impact on how young people see themselves and improve outcomes in anxiety, self esteem and depression.

Morgan came from what appeared from the outside a good family and went to a good school. However, negative thoughts and mood plagued her days. Morgan lost hope for the future and was weighed down with hopelessness.

Morgan discussed an explored the parenting she received. Morgan experienced inconsistent parenting that would result in conflicting messages that varied from nurturing to harsh criticism, such as I love you, but your a spoiled brat who doesn't deserve  this and that. Morgan as a result grew up with a low self esteem and felt unworthy. Morgan was trying to appease what she refers to as an erratic parent, which resulted in a self destruct  belief system that significantly impacted Morgans identity and self worth.

Morgan shares how she has supported her own well-being and now is passionate about helping other people to find and own their own identity and purpose. Morgan is passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health and encouraging people with her honest and open sharing of her story.

Morgan has advice for parents to support them to listen and be present for their young person  based on her life  experience. Morgan is very insightful, balanced, kind, compassionate and well articulated in her reflections and suggestions.

To follow Morgan's incredible journey and career follow the link below:

morganbeard.coach

 Sienna Watson is a young Instagram influencer who is passionate about the environment, veganism and her community. She shares her experiences with running for local council, and how being young was a barrier for becoming elected. Andrew and Sienna also discuss the impact of having young peoples voices suppressed and ignored.

Matt Caruana suicide survivor and youth advocate, bravely shares his story of hopelessness, and feeling lack of purpose which led to a suicide attempt that left him with a spinal cord injury. Matt is now an avid motivational speaker and youth advocate sharing his story and inspiring young people to reach out for help and live their best life.

Matt, Andrew and Kelly explore what supported Matt in his darkest days, what could have supported him better. Learn about the power of authentic connection and how a bogan on the train changed Matt's life.

Andrew, Kelly and Jarred have accumulated over  30 years experience working with and supporting young people. During this episode they discuss their observations and experiences of working with young people and the impacts of not listening to our young people. 

It is the hope of Andrew, Kelly and Jarred that important people in the lives of young people hear this podcast and develop better strategies in incorporating teen voice into their work or relationship with young people. Important people in a young persons life include parents, carers, friends, educators and community leaders.

Having a YACC podcast is for anyone who works with young people, is a teen or was a teen. Andrew, Kelly and Jarred  invite you to join them on their journey of discovering teen voice and hope you will join them in implementing what we learn along the way into our work and relationship with young people, to improve outcomes for them over their lifetime.

To learn more about Youth Advocates of Community Change click here

To learn more about the team click below:

Andrew Jobling

Kelly Murphy

Jarred Kellerman