Young people will help shape neurological care in the Mid West thanks to grant from State Government

Nearly $220,000 is heading to community organisations in the name of empowering young people, including one program in Geraldton.

The Neurological Council of WA has received $10,000 from the State Government to co-design a Youth Action Plan, aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of children with neurological conditions across Geraldton, Northampton, and Dongara.

The action plan puts young voices at the forefront, providing school-based workshops that allow young people to give their thoughts on what neurological services should look like in the community. They will have the ability to shape both primary care and educational services for the region.

The organisation also recently extended its NeuroKids services to the Mid West, with a paediatric neurological nurse now stationed in Geraldton to provide support for children and families with neurological conditions.

In total, 25 other organisations and local councils across WA had a share of the Youth Engagement Grants Program, which aims to increase the skills of young people and empower them to make change in their communities.

Youth Minister Hannah Beazley said there was an incredible range of projects supported by the grant.

“These grants support young people to play an important part in building more inclusive communities in Western Australia,” she said.

“Aligned with our WA Youth Action Plan, the grant recipients will amplify young voices and empower young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals.”

Another organisation, the Integrity Initiative, has been awarded $10,000 to host creative workshops around rural WA, including in the Gascoyne and Mid West.

The creative workshops will involve young people designing and publishing their own zines, boosting confidence, and teaching creative skills.