Angus demonstrates excellence whilst working with some of the most vulnerable, and marginalised young people. Angus’ ability to connect with vulnerable young people reflects an authenticity that promotes hope, empathy and connection and stems from his own experiences of adversity and as a LGBTQIA+ community member. Angus has been the driver of tailored LGBTQIA+ events this year, including the inaugural They Leads, an event for LGBTQIA+ young people to explore leadership and hear from inspiring members of the queer community, and YWCA Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ Prom. Angus has provided robust case work, program design and development, partnerships, and collaboration across the sector, improving outcomes for LGBTQIA+ young people.
Just four examples, amongst many reveals how Angus supports young people through a commitment to improving individual and organisational practice:
- Angus delivered 2 key sell-out events in 6 months for LGBTQIA+ young people, with over 250 young people attending YWCA Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ Prom and They Leads leadership conference.
- Angus is currently undertaking a Cert 4 in mental health. In November he attended Pride in Practice conference in Melbourne. Angus will present to the CYFSP Practice Leadership group.
- Through sharing his experience and knowledge of LGBTQIA+ and the young people’s needs to CSD, Angus effected change, with Non-binary and female identifying individuals now eligible to apply for the Aubrey Fagan grants.
- Angus will soon pilot a 4-week school-based program and will cofacilitate with members of his team. The objective of the program is for LGBTQIA+ Young people to have an increased understanding and connection to their community through promotion of relevant, evidence-based harm minimisation strategies that are often vague or absent from heteronormalized education. An adapted program is being planned for delivery to youth workers across the sector (including schools) to increase their knowledge, skills and resources to work with LGBTQIA+ young people in their respective settings.
