Welcome to Chris' podcast where he shares some invaluable insights about his coping strategies during COVID. Chris attended his first camp in 2017 and hasnt looked back since, joining committees and then becoming the first volunteer with Kate, to take on the challenge of planning and running a Youth Empowerment Camp on their own. That was until the pandemic reached Australia's shores and within a week the camp was cancelled and so was Chris' Wedding. In fact his Wedding was supposed to be held yesterday so we thank Chris for taking time during this difficult week to put this podcast together. His advice about resilience is insightful and achievable while his concluding words to FOCUS ON YOU are a reminder to us all that we are indeed all in this together.

Let's welcome Matt who has conducted this entire interview on his own with an eloquence that comfortably invites you into his story. We truly value all that Matt does for Talk Out Loud, especially in his role as a camp leader and more recently, organising online activities to ensure that our community continues to connect during these difficult times. You are truly inspirational, Matt!

Connor has been a part of our community since 2016 when he apprehensively attended our very first youth camp as a new charity. The progress he made from a very nervous young person to the young man he has become today is outstanding. Connor has had more than his fair share of adversity but he has found strength in helping others and we are so grateful to have him on board.

Tyson has been volunteering with us for just over a year. Tyson first came to us for support after battling with some mental health issues, but he mainly wanted to find an environment where he could meet some new people and feel welcome and safe. It's not easy being interviewed, let alone in two separate locations, but Tyson holds his own and gives us his insight into some powerful self-care tools while in self-isolation.

The coronavirus pandemic comes almost immediately after many of us here in Australia were experiencing the impact of recent bushfires and floods. Listening to our podcasts will hopefully provide a welcome relief from some of the confronting coverage on social media and media in general. You are not alone. Please reach out if you are struggling and we will send you some helpful resources. 

In this episode we speak with Kate who is one of our most proactive volunteers and a qualified youth worker. We first met Kate as a student on placement from TAFE back in 2018 and fortunately for us, she has continued to show her support and leadership to so many of our members. It's easy to share a laugh or two with Kate, and this episode is no exception.