Hi, I’m Nel. I am 19, turning 20 next month.
My interests include photography, reading, and advocating for young people. Especially advocating for mental health support, changes to policies and procedures within residential care and so many more!
I was in care for 12 years, first entering care at 7-years-old. I moved around and grew up in a range of different placements.
I’m the eldest of 5 and I grew up with 2 of my siblings. I lost my biological mother at 8-years-old.
Something else about me is I have four pet rats. The rattos names are Watermelon, Peaches, Kiwi and Plum!
Why I became an advocate
All my life I struggled with my mental health. At 17, I was diagnosed with C-PTSD after being admitted to the mental health ward at the hospital. It really highlighted the problems we have within the child protection system and related systems.
After I aged out of care in May of 2023, I joined Mercy’s Young Person Advocacy Group at the push of my case manager and youth worker. From there, I also joined CREATE, completing my Speak Up courses in November of 2023 and becoming a CREATE Young Consultant.
I have spoken at many different events about a range of issues including the PeakCare workforce conference speaking on the residential workforce strategy, as well as QFCC’s Youth Summit where I spoke at length about my mental health struggles and the problems within the system – both mental health and child protection.
I have experienced so many amazing opportunities whilst working with CREATE. From going to the CREATE conference (Voices in Action) in Adelaide last year, to speaking at the Child Protection Sector Dinner, and being on key groups like SHIFT and EPCS Oversight Group.
I am currently studying a Diploma of Business Leadership and Management whilst starting to grow my own business that focuses on giving young people the skills they need to thrive!
Breaking the stigma of growing up in care
When I was in high school, I found there was a lot of stigma around being a young person in care. Teachers would treat me differently and some young people would be very nasty about it, always making jokes about how my parents were addicts or didn’t want me. It didn’t help that I moved schools a lot during primary school.
I never felt like I was accepted, especially because of my background.
I overcame the stigma by remembering that I couldn’t pick my parents or change that I went into care. I’d just remind myself that although my parents weren’t great parents,
I had so many other people in my corner that believed in me and were proud of me.
The road ahead and my vision for the future
5 years from now, I see myself running a successful business that supports young people with the skills they need to thrive, as well as giving them the basics to ensure no one is going without the necessities (food, water, toiletries, learning materials etc).
I want to own my own house and potentially be engaged to my long-term partner of 4 years.
What needs to change
Ensuring that all young people are in a long-term placement that is safe and appropriate. A placement where they can thrive and won’t be re-traumatised every time a young person or sibling group has to move.
