by Members of CFS Youth Action Group and introduction by Bibi
Introduction
While many heartbreaking incidents have occurred recently, such as random stabbings at a Bondi Junction shopping centre, riots involving over 2,000 people following a live-streamed stabbing of an archbishop at a church in Wakeley by a 16-year-old boy, and an alarming number of women being murdered by their ex-partners (and by random strangers), is there any silver lining to these extremely shocking events? I hope so!
Take the example of the COVID-19 pandemic: after two extensive lockdowns, almost everyone has a story of dealing with mental health challenges to share. We have been given permission to talk about the ‘not-so-glamorous side’ of our lives with no shame! One consequence is a surge in demand for professional mental health services.
The diagram below illustrates a ‘pyramid’ of these services. The Community Flower Studio sits right at ‘Ground Zero’, building a protective environment and social-ecological resilience, while providing basic psychological support to our young members and their families if required. I first discussed this ‘Pyramid of Services’ in the October 2021 e-Newsletter to coincide with the lifting of the second COVID-19 lockdown.
This month, CFS celebrated the fourth anniversary of publishing our e-Newsletter and the first anniversary of officially launching our Youth Mentoring Program. Let’s hear about the CFS journey from some of the members of the CFS Youth Action Group!
Please note: the photos are a collection of activities from CFS’ Leadership Training Program and may not correspond to the members sharing their CFS journey.
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A CFS member since Nov 2022 (he/him) Age Group: 12 – 17 yr.
Co-facilitated creative workshops, helped at pop-up stalls and Bunnings BBQs, co-led bushwalks helped at, contributed to CFS e-Newsletter, helped with Climate Action Art Workshop/Exhibition/Competition (including planning), attended pilot workshops to co-design a creative workshop and, attended SECNA (Social Enterprise Council NSW & ACT) meet-ups.
“I felt a sense of purpose in the work that I do, and it makes me feel better about myself.
It provides a place where I can crack a few jokes and get a few laughs…”
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A CFS member since Sept 2022 (she/her) Age Group: 12 – 17 yr
Helped at pop-up stalls and Climate Action Art Workshop/Exhibition/Competition (including planning), co-led a bushwalk, contributed to CFS e-Newsletter and co-ran laughter yoga sessions.
“Like I can freely express myself because of the welcoming environment there.
It has activities to take your kind of your worries (away) for a little while. I enjoy the inclusive environment cultivated.”
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A CFS member since April 2023 (he/him) Age Group: 12 – 17 yr
Co-facilitated creative workshops, helped with pop-up stalls and Bunnings BBQ, co-led bushwalks and contributed to CFS e-Newsletter.
“When I am at a CFS activity I am able to connect myself with nature and see my inner self, as the activities are so peaceful and gets me thinking.
CFS is important to me because I can learn lots of customer and real-world experience. CFS is a great organisation and I would love to contribute more to the organisation.
I love its purpose and I wish it helps a lot of people.”
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A CFS member since June 2023 (she/her) Age Group: 26 – 30 yr
Co-facilitated creative workshops, contributed to CFS e-Newsletter, attended a pilot workshop to co-design a creative workshop and attended a SECNA meet-up.
I felt relax and enjoyed the activity for I could explore my creativity in it.
It (CFS) is the one and only place I can play with arts. Wish there will be more floral activities in 2024.
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A CFS member since August 2023 (she/her) Age Group: 18 – 25 yr
Co-facilitated creative workshops and helped with Bunnings BBQ.
(I felt) excited and nervous- lots of new faces to see and different procedures to follow- but overall excited because of the opportunity to learn new things and help people.
I love craft and creativity, and the organisation’s motive to support mental health is important to me as someone who has struggled with mental health in the past.
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