Youth Involvement Council internship gives UWA psychology student experience you can’t find in a classroom

UWA psychology student Natasha McCammon-Metcalfe put her studies to the test when working as a youth mentor intern with the Youth Involvement Council in South Hedland. She travelled more than 1300km from Perth for the role and said the experience “fell directly in line” with her passions and where she hoped to be in the future. “I was able to step back and see that quality engagement with young people, trauma-informed care throughout all services and time and attention does have a positive impact,” Ms McCammon-Metcalfe said. “It will likely take several generations, but the hope is that the young people of Hedland will thrive without the weight of lifelong complex trauma.” Ms McCammon-Metcalfe worked across YIC’s Deadly Hearts after-school program, Mingle Mob night safety patrol and emergency youth accommodation program. YIC chief executive Vicki-Tree Stephens said it didn’t take long for Ms McCammon-Metcalfe to fully submerse herself in YIC’s programs supporting at-risk youth in the Pilbara. “Within 24 hours of landing, Natasha was driving our vehicles, engaging with young people and taking it all in her stride,” she said. Ms McCammon-Metcalfe said a highlight of the experience was working with YIC’s staff. “YIC and its staff share their warmth, patience and knowledge with everyone when most would turn their backs,” she said. “I feel grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such tenacious and giving people.” The YIC team was similarly impressed by Ms McCammon-Metcalfe’s dedication in her internship role. “Natasha made a significant contribution during her short time with us; she slotted into the team with ease and showed great initiative to dig in and help with whatever needed doing on the day,” Ms Stephens said. “During her time with us she worked way more than her required 100 hours, helped us write a driving education funding application, shared her knowledge with the team and was extremely impactful for such a short stint.” Ms McCammon-Metcalfe said she felt “extremely fortunate” to gain first-hand experience with an on-ground youth support program like YIC. “This further solidified my intention to build my career in this field. No matter the stories you hear or the textbooks you read, nothing shows the prevalence of social issues and injustices quite like working with an on-ground organisation,” she said.