The Team Behind Conviction Group’s Young Men’s Health Forums
By Harry Easton
Although 2021 has seen Conviction Group’s Young Men’s Health Forums (YMHF) postponed, the team behind the scenes has continued to work on building the charity through online engagement.
Liam Stewart, Rashad Rizme and Jack Hondros form the three-man team who organise and prepare the YMHF, including the venue, catering, administration, and sourcing & training of volunteers.
Liam Stewart, Rashad Rizme and Jack Hondros form the three-man team who organise and prepare the YMHF, including the venue, catering, administration, and sourcing & training of volunteers.
Liam Stewart
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“With the postponement of this year's Young Men's Health Forums, we have focused on increasing engagement within our volunteer community,” says Liam.
“We are looking at how we can cultivate a stronger dialogue and connection with our volunteers online to be able to keep them updated with CG announcements, get their feedback about what we can be doing better, and educate them in the mental wellbeing space.” The Forum team has also worked on building relationships with universities and corporate partners to expand the Conviction Group community, as well as speaking with the existing volunteer community about their experiences at past events in preparation for the next YMHF. |
From Student To Volunteer
Liam, 21, first heard about Conviction Group in 2015 when he attended the inaugural Young Men’s Health Forum as a year 10 student.
“The day was truly inspiring and made a lasting impression on how I live my life. Safe to say I was immediately interested in volunteering and becoming part of the CG family.
“I have facilitated at five or six Forums and in 2020 I became part of the forum team with the intention of making a greater impact on the community through my work with CG.”
Liam says joining Conviction Group has been rewarding, as he feels he is helping fight the stigma of mental health issues.
“Many people struggle with poor mental health, especially young people, and the stigma associated with this prevents those from seeking the help they require.”
Liam, 21, first heard about Conviction Group in 2015 when he attended the inaugural Young Men’s Health Forum as a year 10 student.
“The day was truly inspiring and made a lasting impression on how I live my life. Safe to say I was immediately interested in volunteering and becoming part of the CG family.
“I have facilitated at five or six Forums and in 2020 I became part of the forum team with the intention of making a greater impact on the community through my work with CG.”
Liam says joining Conviction Group has been rewarding, as he feels he is helping fight the stigma of mental health issues.
“Many people struggle with poor mental health, especially young people, and the stigma associated with this prevents those from seeking the help they require.”
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Starting Conversations on Mental Health and Masculinity
Rashad agrees and says he wants to help change archetypes traditionally associated with men. “It’s hard for a lot of young men to share their feelings and it will only get harder in years to come, considering the old school male archetype that still exists in Australian culture. “Mental health is a struggle that has particularly affected me. It is also something that will affect most of us whether directly or indirectly. I think it’s really important to have these healthy and heavy conversations, and talk with gravity instead of having surface level conversations that don’t build our emotional muscle.” Working with Conviction Group and living through lockdown has changed Rashad’s approach towards his own mental wellbeing. |
Rashad Rizme
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“Staying connected with my friends is probably one of the most important things in looking after my wellbeing.
“And with so much time on my hands at the moment, I’ve committed to doing at least an hour of self-care activities every day. This usually involves either a run, meditation and/or stretch.”
Rashad, 20, has been volunteering at Conviction Group for about 3 months. Rashad and fellow volunteer Jack, are yet to attend a YMHF, but are both looking forward to the experience.
“I’m passionate about the work that CG does as I find it very important that young men are provided educational tools to enhance their decision making and perspectives on key issues surrounding their health” says Jack.
“And with so much time on my hands at the moment, I’ve committed to doing at least an hour of self-care activities every day. This usually involves either a run, meditation and/or stretch.”
Rashad, 20, has been volunteering at Conviction Group for about 3 months. Rashad and fellow volunteer Jack, are yet to attend a YMHF, but are both looking forward to the experience.
“I’m passionate about the work that CG does as I find it very important that young men are provided educational tools to enhance their decision making and perspectives on key issues surrounding their health” says Jack.
Jack Hondros
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“Having access to the work that CG does at such a young age can really make a meaningful impact on a young man’s life and can set the foundation for a great future.”
Jack, 21, has used lockdown to focus on goal-setting on a personal and professional level. “This lockdown has reinforced the importance of having these clear goals to work towards in the areas of my life that matter to me most. “I’ve also been reminded of the importance of relationships and staying connected to family and friends through these times.” His family connections are what led Jack to joining Conviction Group 18 months ago. |
“My mum had expressed interest to volunteer as an Ambassador for CG, and after learning more about the organisation she recommended that I look into if there were any other volunteer opportunities available for myself.
“I researched the CG website and got involved by applying directly through the site where the role for ‘Forum Coordinator’ was being advertised.”
The Benefits of Volunteering
Joining Conviction Group has been more than just volunteering time for these three young men. The experiences they’ve had at the charity have helped shape them as well.
“On a personal level, I’ve found that CG has helped me become a better friend to those in need,” says Liam.
“I can provide support to friends of mine who are struggling with poor mental health and I can help inform those around me to help reduce the stigma around this topic. I’ve been to several Young Men’s Health Forum and every time I learn something new. The forums are a remarkably rewarding experience.”
To sign up as a Conviction Group volunteer, click here
“I researched the CG website and got involved by applying directly through the site where the role for ‘Forum Coordinator’ was being advertised.”
The Benefits of Volunteering
Joining Conviction Group has been more than just volunteering time for these three young men. The experiences they’ve had at the charity have helped shape them as well.
“On a personal level, I’ve found that CG has helped me become a better friend to those in need,” says Liam.
“I can provide support to friends of mine who are struggling with poor mental health and I can help inform those around me to help reduce the stigma around this topic. I’ve been to several Young Men’s Health Forum and every time I learn something new. The forums are a remarkably rewarding experience.”
To sign up as a Conviction Group volunteer, click here
