Leanne Gibson

I'll be challenging myself to serving 40 students Free Luncheons at ‘Mondays Matter – Year 12’s Matter’ - to our Leavers at Katanning Senior High School for the month of May and beyond. April 30th

Cooking for large numbers came to me by chance, or did it?

Roughly 8 years ago - there was a booked and paid for young people’s Easter Camp Outreach at Camp Kennedy - Torbay. Four days of fun and activities with like-minded people. The camp was locked in for 120 paid and expectant teenagers/young adults but for one thing, no catering staff! Anyone who had worked, volunteered or passed through Camp Kennedy in the past 10 years were contacted, but nothing. All were either sick, busy or not in the area. The situation became desperate, contact numbers grew so thin, when finally, I got ‘The Call’. Together with my husband😊 we took on the challenge and headed to Easter Camp.

As YouthCARE Chaplains we witness students everyday take on challenges that overwhelm them and seem far too big to conquer. In particular, Year 12 is a challenging final year characterised by intense academic pressure, high-stakes assessments, and significant mental health strains. Students frequently grapple with heavy work-loads, strict time management and anxiety related to ATAR scores, future career paths, and immense personal expectations.

This is exactly why we are providing a space at ‘Mondays Matter – Yr 12’s Matter’ where they can know they are being cared for and supported through enjoying a meal made especially for them’ They can all relax from grinding work-loads and simply enjoying each other. At ‘Monday Matters – Year 12’s matter’ We also offer practical strategies and address topics we know students face every day. We believe our greatest support is to listen and validate their stories. Allowing their voices to be heard while always encouraging them as they grow, a great reminder that They Matter.

Every day in schools and communities there are Chaplains and volunteers quietly showing up for young people and their families. And this challenge is my way of putting a spotlight on YouthCARE Chaplaincy and helping more young people access the kind of support they need.

If you’d like to be a part of it, I’d really value your support.

You can give whatever you’re able, follow along or stand with me in supporting young people across WA.

Together we can make a difference.

All monies raised go to YouthCARE WA Ridiculously Good Fun Raisin and not to any individual Chaplain.