Young people telling their own story

Young people are already supporting each other through difficult moments by helping a friend through a tough day, responding to challenges in their community, or navigating the uncertainty that disasters can bring.

Through our Youth Psychological First Aid training, we try to strengthen that instinct to care for others, offering simple tools and shared language that help young people feel more confident supporting their peers.

Last November, we partnered with Thriving Kids Queensland, PCYC Queensland Emergency Services Cadets, and Wesley Mission Headspace to deliver a pilot of the training across the Wide Bay–Burnett region, supported by FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal).

At the end of the program, the cadets captured their reflections using a Video Voice approach, with the final film brought together by AJ Digital.

When our team watched the video, it was hard not to get a little emotional. Hearing the young people talk about what they had taken from the training, in their own words, was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Rather than reports or summaries, the video shows something much more meaningful: young people growing in confidence, supporting one another, and stepping into leadership as they tell the story of their own learning.

Watch the cadets share their reflections:

We’re grateful to the cadets who shared their reflections and helped tell the story of this pilot in their own voices.