Bella Maloney is a passionate advocate for youth wellbeing and mental health. Her determination to help young people in need and her desire to draw from her own life experiences in doing so, made her the perfect candidate for our Social Change Leadership program.
Bella has been leading key areas of our work through her involvement in our Fifth Element, Inclusive Justice and Partnerships teams. You can find out more about the incredible work she is doing with the other Changemakers by following us on Facebook or Instagram (@changemakerscollective).
Find out a little bit more about Bella in this quick Q&A below (conducted by fellow Social Change Leadership participant, Rage Jule).
Describe yourself in 5 words?
I consider myself to be a passionate individual who is outgoing, empathetic, strong-willed and energetic.
What made you decide to study social work?
My passion for helping people primarily comes from my own life experiences. As such, I decided to study social work to support young people facing difficult circumstances and those in need of trusted guidance and support.
What is the social issue you are most passionate about? If you could do anything to solve this social ill, what would it be?
I am extremely passionate about the prevalence drug and alcohol issues facing young people in our society. If I could do anything to solve this social ill, it would be to promote accessible support for young people in need and to reduce the stigma around drug and alcohol issues.
What career path do you see yourself taking after graduation?
My goal is to become a youth worker in hospitals or to work in a drug and alcohol centre.
What did you want to be when you grew up (as a kid)?
A marine biologist.
What is the biggest adventure/highlight of the past few years?
My biggest adventure, so far, has been moving away from family and friends. Throughout the past year, I have grown as a person and learnt about my self worth.
What does justice mean to you?
Everybody having their voice heard, having fair and equal access to services and being safe.
What is your leadership style?
My leadership style is to listen to and observe others before presenting my point of view.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy going to the gym.
What is something you want to do in the near future?
In the future, I hope to be able to travel the world or to even travel within Australia.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
My advice to my younger self would be to not stress about the small things and to have confidence that everything will all work out in the end.