Skill up. Speak up. Change the system.
One in four young Australians will experience a mental health challenge. Mental health is the number one issue we care about, yet when decisions are made, we’re rarely given real power to shape the outcomes.
Youth advisory groups, surveys, consultations...these approaches are the bare minimum and, on their own, they don’t change systems.
Youth Unmuted is different.
We’re a collective of young people with a passion to speak up, stand together, and shape the future of mental health support systems in Australia.
And now, we are launching the Youth Unmuted Community Leadership Traineeship.
What is it?
The Youth Unmuted Community Leadership Traineeship is a structured leadership and organising program run by Australians for Mental Health.
We will train 12 young Australians, aged 15–25, to:
- Take a leading role in advocating for youth mental health
- Join other young activists on campaigns that change things for the better
- Win concrete commitments from decision-makers
You won't just tell your story, you'll be able to use your lived experience to have a genuine impact and campaign for lasting changes.
How does it work?
- 12 participants will be selected by the end of Feb 2026
- In-person training sessions will run in Sydney through March and April
- Participants will host a Youth Mental Health Assembly in June 2026
Across the program, you’ll get:
- In-person training sessions run by experts in advocacy, communication, community organising and more
- One-on-one mentoring
- Support to organise conversations with young people in your world
- A direct role in building a major youth-led public action
Who can apply?
Participants must:
- Be a Youth Unmuted member (if you aren't a member, join here for free)
- Be aged 15 to 25
- Have parent or guardian permission if under 18
- Be able to attend at least 4 in-person training days in Sydney from March to June 2026
- Care deeply about youth mental health reform
- Are ready to work with others, not go it alone
No experience needed.
Just curiosity, commitment, and guts.
Subsidised travel is not guaranteed, but you can advise us on the application if this is something you would need to participate.
So, what are you waiting for? Press the button and apply now!
The application will take 20-30 minutes and mainly asks about your life experience, skills, and what you want to learn.
