Empowering LGBTIQSB+ Young People: How Lived Experience Improves Service Delivery
Tracks
Ballroom 1 - In Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Tuesday, March 25, 2025 |
| 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM |
| Ballroom 1 |
Overview
Simone (Sim) Balzer & Jess Riky, Social Futures
Presenter
Simone Balzer
Senior Manager headspace
Social Futures
Empowering LGBTIQSB+ Young People: How Lived Experience Improves Service Delivery
Abstract
Social Futures headspace staff and Young People will share the complexities and benefits of engaging Young People with lived experience in service design, and community engagement activities in regional communities. This presentation has been co-developed with Young People involved in Social Futures LGBTIQSB+ headspace Programs. Using a story-telling framework, presenters will provide a multi-dimensional lens which draws together the experiences of Young People, program delivery and how this approach can lead to improved services for LGBTIQSB+ Young People. In sharing stories, learnings and outcomes, presenters hope to build an understanding that honouring and utilising lived experience can be transformational for service users, staff and organisations alike.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Different ways to engage the voices of Young People in program design
2. The importance of representation and lived experience of LGBTIQSB+ Young People and staff in delivering programs
3. Key learnings in delivering a long-term program for LGBTQISB+ Young People within regional communities
Three Key Learnings:
1. Different ways to engage the voices of Young People in program design
2. The importance of representation and lived experience of LGBTIQSB+ Young People and staff in delivering programs
3. Key learnings in delivering a long-term program for LGBTQISB+ Young People within regional communities
Biography
Sim Balzer (she/her) is the Senior Manager of headspace Tweed Heads, Ballina, and Lismore. With over 15 years’ experience across health, community services, and education, Sim is a passionate and values-led leader committed to equity, inclusion, learning, and fun. She is a strong advocate for the lived experience workforce and dedicated to creating accessible, quality services designed with and for young people—particularly in regional communities. Sim brings expertise in co-design, partnerships, and leading teams through complex challenges, including multiple extreme weather events. She holds degrees in Human Movement Science, Education, Psychological Science, and Arts (Hons), and is currently studying her MBA.
Jess Riky
Community Engagement Officer | headspace Lismore
Social Futures / headspace Lismore
Empowering LGBTIQSB+ Young People: How Lived Experience Improves Service Delivery
Abstract
Social Futures headspace staff and Young People will share the complexities and benefits of engaging Young People with lived experience in service design, and community engagement activities in regional communities. This presentation has been co-developed with Young People involved in Social Futures LGBTIQSB+ headspace Programs. Using a story-telling framework, presenters will provide a multi-dimensional lens which draws together the experiences of Young People, program delivery and how this approach can lead to improved services for LGBTIQSB+ Young People. In sharing stories, learnings and outcomes, presenters hope to build an understanding that honouring and utilising lived experience can be transformational for service users, staff and organisations alike.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Different ways to engage the voices of Young People in program design
2. The importance of representation and lived experience of LGBTIQSB+ Young People and staff in delivering programs
3. Key learnings in delivering a long-term program for LGBTQISB+ Young People within regional communities
Three Key Learnings:
1. Different ways to engage the voices of Young People in program design
2. The importance of representation and lived experience of LGBTIQSB+ Young People and staff in delivering programs
3. Key learnings in delivering a long-term program for LGBTQISB+ Young People within regional communities
Biography
Jess (they/them) is the Community Engagement Officer at headspace Lismore, where they facilitate and support social groups and community initiatives for young people, including the Sour Patch Queers 18-25 LGBTQ+ group. Passionate about increasing accessibility and fostering inclusivity, Jess has spent much of their career leading nature-based expeditions across New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In previous years they had the privilege in leading the Mobile Youth Van, a program tailored to geographically isolated and marginalized communities running activities and providing advocacy for young people aged 12-25.
With extensive experience in co-designing youth-led projects, Jess is committed to creating spaces where young people, particularly those from hard-to-reach backgrounds, can be heard and empowered.
A values-driven community advocate, Jess is dedicated to nurturing relationships with communities and promoting social justice, inclusion, and mental health awareness.
