Job Summary
Remote / Work from Home
- Applications close:
- Job posted on: 5th Nov 2021
- Melbourne > Brunswick
Remote / Work from Home
Creating pathways to wellbeing with and for young people experiencing disadvantage
Colour Them Safe is a small Melbourne based charity passionate about mental health. We use art to reduce the effects of mental health on young people experiencing disadvantage. With the help of volunteers, partner organisations and young people with lived experience, we develop and deliver unique art experiences that aim to improve social and emotional wellbeing.
Australian’s 18-24 years old have the highest prevalence of mental illness than any other age group (Youth Survey, 2018, Mission Australia). The onset of mental illness is typically mid-to-late adolescence, indicating early intervention is required to reduce the number of young people who are at-risk of not making a positive transition to adulthood. Australians under 25 are more likely to take their own life than die in motor vehicle accidents. In 2018, 458 young people under the age of 25 died by suicide (Causes of Death, 2018, ABS). The most significant contributing factor in this is mental health (Raising the bar for youth suicide prevention, 2016, Orygen).
Colour Them Safe is working to change this by providing (and promoting) art experiences where participants develop social and emotional literacy, and improve their overall social and emotional wellbeing.
Young people in Australia want art experiences and are concerned about mental health. The Australian Council of the Arts found 75% of 15-24 year olds acknowledged that ‘The arts make for a richer and more meaningful life’ and 98% of Australians engage with the arts and more people recognise the positive impacts of the arts (National Arts Participation Survey, 2017, Australian Council of the Arts). Further to this, Mission Australia found that two of the top three personal concerns were ‘Coping with stress’ 45% and ‘Mental Health’ 33%. The most important issue to young people in Australia was ‘Mental Health’ 36% (Youth Survey, 2018, Mission Australia). Art for wellbeing experiences like ours, are wanted and needed.
Our current offering includes: a regular drop-in style studio in Brunswick (in partnership with Youthworx); an online studio program (9 week journey exploring art for wellbeing); and art for wellness facilitation training for people who work with young people.
We believe partnerships enable us to deepen and multiply our impact. We work with established and emerging organisations who are committed to improving the lives of young people. Together, we collaborate to: recruit local volunteers; facilitate training, design program resources, and source art supplies. Our hope is to foster knowledge sharing and build capability across the youth services sector.
Working with Colour Them Safe, you will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the lives of young people experiencing disadvantage. As Chairperson, your role is central in nurturing our colourful communities commitment to creating safe and supportive art spaces where young people in need can connect, explore art making and experience kindness.
Ideally applicants will have experience working with a charity/not-for-profit board. Experience and/or understanding of the legal requirements of a Company Limited by Guarantee with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status is also highly desirable.
We are looking for someone who will guide and protect our organisation. Applicants should also be community minded, willing to take the time to work closely with our board, coordinators, crew and young people to build the capacity of our organisation as it grows in years to come.
Successful applicants will be expected to chair four board meetings per calendar year (approximately 2 hours in duration). They will manage strategic planning, guide the board and CEO, promote the organisation, and monitor issues concerning the Colour Them Safe community. The role is voluntary and is an expected commitment of 8-12hrs per month.
If you are passionate about contributing to the lives of young people, and you have an interest in wellbeing, be sure to apply.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We believe in equality irrespective of abilities, social-economic status, cultural background, religion or spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation or gender identity. We appreciate and welcome diversity in all of its forms. This makes our organisation stronger and more effective. People who are LGBTIQA+, living with disability, and/or have experience in Mental Health, are strongly encouraged to apply for this role.
Key responsibilities for the Chairperson role:
To be eligible for this role, applicants must:
A position description is attached.
Remote / Work from Home