3. Leisure, Recreation and Social Life

1.3 Employment Youth Response:

• Numerous young people wanted more opportunities to prepare for work which included knowing where to look for a job, applying for a job, presentation, resumes, interview techniques and work experience. • They wanted to see more job opportunities targeted at young people whether that be after school/ weekend work for those still at school; or casual and permanent employment positions • Wanted to see more support for young people seeking work including building confidence, assisting with finding work, diversity support (e.g. Aboriginal and/or Youth Employment Service) and to provide support in the workplace • Young people felt that youth targeted jobs could be displayed on a notice board in town or a specific section in the newspaper. • Some young people acknowledged that there were jobs available such as fast-food and check out jobs however these were looked down on by a lot of young people; maybe due to high expectations.

Those that do work in these places stated that they were proud of their experience, enjoyed the work and had gained in numerous ways from this opportunity. • The online Youth Survey asked ‘How helpful would each of these be (listed below) if you were looking for a job? Young people responded to a list of potential methods by answering ‘Very

Helpful, Helpful, Helps a Little or No Help’, each of these with a weighted score. Equal first was knowing where to find a job and learn more [job-related] skills (2.5); then, more jobs targeted at young people (2.44); learning how to apply for a job (2.38); support from employment services (2.33); more apprenticeships and traineeships available (2.31); and equal in last place was building your confidence and understanding employee rights (2.19).

Stakeholders Response

Work readiness was identified as beneficial induction into the workplace. Work experience had been stopped at one school due to lack of employers to participate. Support was required to assist young people getting jobs plus support for the employers to encourage them to open doors to young employees too.

1.4 Other Youth Comments

• There was a comprehensive array of responses from young people with relation to school including smaller class sizes, personal study periods, more understanding and qualified teachers, access to more online programs, reducing school costs and too high expectations in school. Other areas noted included less school time, more camps, less homework and cheaper canteen. • Bullying was identified as an issue and young people felt their needed to be better bully management systems in place as well as associated supports (for example one person to handle all bullying at school). • A breakfast club was important to some young people if they were not able to have breakfast at home or had slept in. • Student support services needed to be advertised for those dealing with stress, in particular year 12 students. • There was a request for more chaplains in schools and one of each gender, this also applied to the school psychologist.

2. Community Support and Health Services

2.1 Medical, Health and Hospital Youth Response:

• There was a large response regarding the need for more doctors and medical staff and a reduction in waiting times, especially in emergency at the hospital. • They felt the atmosphere was clinical, not welcoming and did not cater for their age group as such.

Suggestions to overcome this included free Wi-Fi access, more TVs offering different programs for different target groups, provides things to do, water fountains, vending machines and couches for comfort. • Young people wanted to feel supported by someone who understood them such as a dedicated staff member who could relate to youth • Emergency response times needed improvement. A few young people who had experienced an emergency situation shared their concerns by the time it took for support people to arrive. • Young people need to be aware of where to easily find health service and contact information, including sexual health services. • Transport to health services was also an issue for some young people and could potentially be supported by public transport. • The online Youth Survey asked ‘’When visiting a doctor, counsellor and/or community health service how important are the following to you?” Young people responded to a suggested list (as follows) by answering ‘Very Important, Important, Somewhat Important or Not Important’, each of these with a weighted score. Confidentiality/privacy and time take to explain and support understanding came in as equal first (2.93); feeling valued and welcomed followed (2.73); then information available for your age group (2.47); felling connected to the staff/people (2.27); and the venue/ facilities appealing to youth (1.47).

Stakeholders Response

Stakeholders also acknowledged the long waiting time to get into medical and health places in particular as a result of understaffing. They wanted to see better access to doctors (which included better offers for doctors to come to Esperance) and more youth friendly doctors. They also wanted to see more health information available to youth accessible online, at community events and in agencies.

2.2 Mental Health and Support Services Youth Response:

• There was a great number of comments around the need for mental health services and support services for young people. This included better access to services, more counselling services, inclusive and understanding staff and information about services available include helplines and support groups. • Young people wanted access to these services after schools and on weekends. They also wanted someone that they felt comfortable and safe with and who they could talk to without their parents/ family, plus with a friend if they preferred. • There were several suggestions of youth-based support groups where they could share their challenges and support one another. Young people also wanted more discussion about various issues to make the topic okay to talk about. • Several young people wanted to see more carers support for young people who cared for a parent and/or a person with a disability. • They also wanted to see the provision of a safe house for young people to offer shorter-term accommodation and support when essential and needed. • Specialised services were encouraged including supporting the engagement of troubled kids and support for drug and alcohol problems experienced by young people