A passionate local youth advocate has been awarded an esteemed fellowship to further her expertise overseas and give young people a greater voice.
Katie Acheson was awarded the esteemed Bob and June Prickett Churchill Fellowship because of her efforts to support the younger generation.
It will enable her to travel learn from pioneering programs in Canada, the UK, Switzerland and Jordan next year.
Ms Acheson’s fellowship will focus on the involvement of young people in decision making to address the increasing challenges of mental ill health.
Ms Acheson’s dedication to youth is evident in her roles. She serves on the Youturn board of directors, is the executive manager of policy and advocacy for Arafmi, and is the co-founder of Numbers and People Synergy. She is also a skater for the Coastal Assassins Roller Derby league.
Previously, she was the CEO of Youth Action and chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition.
Ms Acheson said she was determined to further examine how involving young people in decision making can help address rising mental ill health.
“It’s alarming that 75 per cent of mental health conditions emerge before the age of 25,” she said.
“Our young people are at the heart of this issue, and it’s crucial that their voices are not just heard but amplified in decision-making rooms. Age and experience should not be barriers to their invaluable insights.”
“While we have advisory mechanisms in place, the genuine voices of our youth often go unheard.
“My mission is to learn from successful models that truly empower young individuals and communities with lived experiences, ensuring they have a seat at the table, especially when it comes to decision making.”
There will be a presentation ceremony for talented Australians who have received Churchill Fellowships at Canberra on October 6 and at a Churchill Fellows Dinner at Customs House in Brisbane on November 17.
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