Leading Youth Forward (LYF) aims to enhance the lives of at-risk Perth teenagers in school years 8-10 by providing positive experiences, mentors and role models. All teens referred to the program are significantly disadvantaged, whether emotionally, socially or financially, and many have been subject to physical or emotional abuse or neglect. LYF matches approximately 90 teens with mentors (one-to-one) who are young professionals or students from the ages of 22-39.The program consists of a camp over a weekend at the start of March, followed by four ‘Big Day Out’ events over the course of the year. These events provide activities focussing on learning new skills, building confidence and promoting positive behaviours such as educational engagement and employment preparation, ultimately leading our teens to live happier, healthier lives! We have recently entered a partnership with the youth mental health service Headspace, who will present workshops at each event this year after feedback from the teens of this being an area of need. Mentors are also encouraged to organise small group events throughout the year to provide further positive experiences and strengthen teen-mentor relationships. LYF is distinguished from many other charities in being entirely run and staffed by volunteers, so every dollar raised goes directly to where it can make a difference. All funds provided will go directly to running our camp and Big Day Out events throughout the year.