Write to MPs, demand they support Youth Insearch funding

Jules Bailey, breakfast host on 2MO, has personal experienced the life-changing impact of the youth support program. She watched her daughter transform from a depressed and withdrawn teenage to a confident young woman. 

The life-changing youth support program is at risk when its government funding runs out in the middle of year, leaving it without guaranteed funding for the first time in more than a decade.

Ms Bailey said people power could turn the tables.

“As the parent of a child who has been through the program, I can’t stress how important is for people to reach out to politicians to get this funding back,” Ms Bailey said.

“If there is one thing they can do for Youth Insearch, it’s write a letter to your local federal politician, telling them to get this funding reinstated.

“Without this funding, a lot of young people aren’t going to make it through the problems they’re facing. We need Youth Insearch, especially in regional areas.”

Ms Bailey’s daughter was bullied at school and as a result began self-harming. She went through the hospital system, counsellors and psychologist, but nothing helped.

“It seemed the more she got bounced around, the more people she had working with her, the more depressed she got,” Ms Bailey said.

“Nothing else was working for us, then Youth Insearch came along.”

Ms Bailey noticed a difference in her daughter as soon as she returned home from her first Youth Insearch camp.

“After the first weekend she had purpose, she had something to look forward to,” she said.

“It took a couple of months but her attitude change, her moods improved. To know this girl two years ago, to the young girl who just move to Queensland to finished Year 12, you would be amazed.”

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has requested to meet with Social Services Minister Christian Porter to discuss the funding.

However, after more than six weeks, Mr Porter is yet to respond to his fellow cabinet member. Mr Porter’s office gave The Leader no indicate if or when the meeting would occur.

If you or anyone you know if having problems, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.