Participation has been a core principle and practice embedded in the headspace model since its inception in 2006. With widespread support and commitment at all levels of headspace National, there are many good examples of meaningful participation in decision-making and advocacy. But to stay relevant and continue to embed contemporary, best practice participation with young people, headspace National has been on an important journey of reflection and innovation.

With young people in roles to advise the Board, Executive, and other governance structures, it is important to reflect and evolve the role of lived experience and expertise, participation platforms and processes, support required for young advocates, and the capability of all staff to work in genuine partnership with young people.

This panel will centre the voices of young people directly involved in our participation work, including those who have advocated for and involved in change making processes, as well as young people more recently engaged and benefiting from new strategies and approaches. The panel will be emceed by a young person and supported by the Head of Participation and Lived Experience at headspace National.

The panel will include a presentation to provide context of the journey headspace National has been on, followed by a discussion on:
- Young people’s experiences of influence in strategic decision making
- Cultural responsiveness and the benefits of exclusive spaces and supports for multicultural and First Nations young people in advocacy and decision-making
- The importance of thoughtful induction, capability building and wellbeing support for young advocates

Recognising the complex, dynamic and inspiring space that is meaningful youth participation, headspace National aims to share learnings, acknowledge limitations and encourage audience members to commit, resource and amplify the voices of young people in decision-making and advocacy.