How can services better support young people? How does stigma shape the way youth and families experience mental health and AOD care? And what happens when lived experience moves from the margins into service design?

In this episode, Hamilton Centre Relationship and Partnership Lead Annie Williams is joined by Nathan Abaloz, Youth Peer Advocate at Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), and Donna Ortiz, parent advocate and member of the YSAS Family Reference Group.

They explore how youth voice and family perspectives are shaping more responsive mental health and AOD services.

Nathan shares insights from his work with the YSAS Youth Advisory Committee (The Crew), including harm reduction, media literacy and amplifying young people’s voices through a range of initiatives.

Donna reflects on her journey as a parent supporting a young person through complex challenges, the isolation carers can face and the power of hope and peer connection.

This episode discusses what it takes to embed genuine partnership with young people and families.

Guests

Nathan Abaloz is a Youth Peer Advocate with YSAS who is passionate about supporting and advocating for young people to have the best possible future, especially those who are marginalised. He works with the YSAS Youth Advisory Committee, known as The Crew, which consists of a diverse group of young people sharing their lived and living experience and expertise to help shape and improve services and policy. Nathan's areas of interest include harm reduction, destigmatisation, youth justice and reforms.

Donna Ortiz is a parent and carer with lived experience supporting young people through mental health and substance use challenges. Donna became involved with YSAS in 2021 when her youngest son engaged with their services during COVID. Donna now contributes to the YSAS Family Reference Group, a small team of parent carers and staff working to provide feedback and improve services for families. She is passionate about giving back and helping shape how YSAS supports young people and their families.

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