Creating pathways to wellbeing with and for young people experiencing disadvantage

ABOUT COLOUR THEM SAFE:

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.

CHAIRPERSON POSITION OVERVIEW:

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities for the Chairperson role:

• Manage the implementation of Colour Them Safe’s strategic objectives.
• Provide guidance to the board and Operations Coordinator (CEO equivalent) on what is expected and on what has to be achieved.
• Prepare board meeting agendas so time is allocated effectively; the right matters are discussed; matters are considered carefully and thoroughly; and the board is able to make informed decisions.
• Be the spokesperson for the organisation at General Meetings (including the AGM).
• Develop the capacity of the board. Ensure it operates as an inclusive and effective team, and decisions are implemented successfully.
• Ensure the board undergoes regular evaluation and has a clear succession plan.
• Provide mentoring to the Operations Coordinator. Initiate and oversee regular evaluation.
• Oversee annual reporting. Stay informed on matters of interest to the Board.
• Monitor important initiatives and significant issues facing the organisation.
• Undertake appropriate public relations activities and utilise networks to promote the organisation.

Whole of organisation responsibilities:

• To uphold Colour Them Safe’s charitable purpose, vision, and organisational values.
• To comply with all relevant Occupational Health and Safety requirements, and maintain safe working practices to protect your own and other’s health and safety.
• To abide by all the relevant Laws and Funding obligations relating to Colour Them Safe including:- Privacy; Accreditation/Quality Improvement frameworks; Equal Opportunities, Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment; Code of Conduct.
• Comply with reasonable and lawful instructions or requirements to undertake additional tasks, projects or responsibilities if it is safe and legal to do so and within the skills and competencies of the employee.
• Take active responsibility in liaison with the program directors for attaining, maintaining or developing own learning, understanding and skills required for this position, including complying with any requirement to attend training courses that are provided.
• Liaise with the program directors to review and update this position description in line with changing program requirements, Business Plan, processes and organisational structure during each Performance Appraisal.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for this role, applicants must:

• Be over 18 years of age;
• Have a current Working with Childrens Check (or willing to get one);
• Not be insolvent or under administration; and
• Not be disqualified under constitution due to a breach of duties.

A position description is attached.