In this episode of the Youth Mentor Podcast, we chat with Holly Hashimi about her first year founding HeartSpark, a not-for-profit organisation that grew from 8 participants to multiple groups and a waitlist in just 12 months. Holly takes us behind the scenes of starting a youth organisation from scratch in Fort McMurray, Canada - from finding free spaces to run programs, to creative fundraising through handmade bracelets, to recently achieving not-for-profit status. She shares how she moved through self-doubt, found support in her community, and kept taking small steps forward before feeling fully confident.

For anyone dreaming of working with young people but feeling uncertain about where to start, Holly's story is full of practical insights and permission to begin before you feel ready. She opens up about building community partnerships, bringing her therapy dog Mrs. Pudding into the program, making programs accessible through free programming, and how her own personal growth journey enabled her to create the safe space she wished she had as a child. This conversation is especially valuable for aspiring youth mentors who want a realistic look at what that first year of building a youth organisation really looks like.

Find the full transcript at https://shinefromwithin.com.au/the-youth-mentor-podcast

Connect with Holly and HeartSpark at https://www.heartsparkwithholly.com

Follow HeartSpark on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/heartsparkwithholly/

Connect on Facebook here: HeartSpark

Connect with Shine from Within on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/shinefromwithinhq/

Ready to start your own youth organisation? Learn more about our Youth Mentor Training at https://youthmentors.shinefromwithin.com.au

In this episode of the Youth Mentor Podcast, we're joined by Sabine McKenzie, an eating disorder recovery coach who brings a refreshing perspective to conversations around body image, food, and wellbeing. With eight years of supporting youth and adults through her business, Sabine shares her evolution from promoting body positivity to embracing what she calls "the grey space" - a gentler, more neutral approach to body image and health.

If you have young people in your world, especially teens or tweens, you'll love this nurturing and enlightening conversation :) :)

Find the full transcript at https://shinefromwithin.com.au/the-youth-mentor-podcast

Connect with Sabine on Instagram: @sabine.mckenzie

Connect with us on Instagram: @shinefromwithinhq

Curious about starting your own program or business that supports young people in 2025? Check out our free video training: How to Start Your Youth Mentor Business here.

In this episode of the Youth Mentor Podcast, we chat with Milly Bannister, founder of ALLKND, a charity dedicated to supporting youth mental health through its free, online Good Mate Training program.

If you want to know how you can be a good mate for your loved ones and especially young people, or you've thought about what it takes to start a youth mental health charity, this episode is for you!

Milly also shares how ALLKND reaches young people directly via platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and shares insights into creative partnerships with brands to amplify their impact. The session delves into Milly's origin story, branding, visibility, and the importance of strategic, creative partnerships in raising awareness for youth mental health support.

At the end, we share an exciting event we’re hosting to take our entire Shine from Within community, including you, through the Good Mate Training together!

REGISTER FOR OUR GOOD MATE TRAINING DAY ON SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2024 HERE: https://sfw.securechkout.net/goodmatetraining

As always, find the full transcript at https://shinefromwithin.com.au/the-youth-mentor-podcast

Connect with Milly on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/millyrosebannister/

Connect with ALLKND on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/weareallknd/

Connect with Shine from Within on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/shinefromwithinhq/

Take Good Mate Training anytime here:

https://allknd.org/goodmatetraining

Register for our Shine from Within Good Mate Training day, on Sunday 20th October 2024, here: https://sfw.securechkout.net/goodmatetraining