ReachOut.com has just recently launched a new mobile site to
provide young people with the tools and information they need to
make change on some of the big issues that affect their lives.
Made possible by funding from the Department of Families,
Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs - ReachOut.com
ChangeMaker (m.rochangemaker.com) provides
young people with a range of goal-orientated projects they can
undertake to make an impact on the social issues that affect them.
The site also provides tips and resources that young people can
refer to, to help them make a positive contribution to their
community, by breaking down big goals into achievable actions.
24-year-old ReachOut.com Youth Ambassador, Lauren, said, "Many
young people are passionate about mental health issues and want to
create change in their communities - the hardest part is knowing
how to do it and who to ask. ReachOut.com ChangeMaker gives us
access to resources and support wherever we are so we can really be
part of that change and show others how easy it can be to get
involved."
For young people, being able to take control of the issues that
affect them can give them confidence in their ability to make
things better. Being active around social issues like mental health
can also help them to build social connections with other people
who are passionate about these issues. This self-efficacy and
social connectedness can help build young people's resilience -
improving their ability to tackle the day-to-day challenges that
come their way.
Emma Stace, Director of Design and Delivery at Inspire, said,
"After extensive consultation and engagement with young people,
ReachOut.com has identified a distinct group of young people who
want to advocate for their peers, friends and family members to
lead happier lives. We understand that young people want to do
something positive to support their community, which can lead to
better outcomes for not only themselves, but for society at large.
The ReachOut.com ChangeMaker pilot is the first important piece in
ReachOut.com's strategy to help them become active in their
communities."
The ReachOut.com ChangeMaker mobile site is now
live and can be accessed at http://m.rochangemaker.com/.
Further information about the mobile site is available at http://au.reachout.com/get-involved/changemaker/