From Survival to Purpose -Reflecting on How We Support Young People Through Storytelling

In 2025, Penrith Council consulted with young people about what matters most to them; they told us that feeling safe, supported, and connected is essential to their wellbeing. This session is about our commitment to building spaces to learn and explore our collective role in supporting young people.

Our goal is that you walk away questioning how you engage with young people and understanding that behind every behaviour is often a story we haven’t taken the time to understand.

About the facilitator

Jamali Hanman is a proud Wailwan man from Coonamble, NSW, who grew up in Western Sydney and has spent the last ten years supporting young people across community, care and custodial settings. His experience includes facilitation, mentoring, out-of-home care, and direct work with children and young people in custody.

Through his work, particularly with young people in custody, Jamali has developed a deep understanding of the critical role that schools and communities play in early intervention. He is passionate about the power of storytelling through a trauma-informed lens, using it as a way to understand and address the complex experiences, challenges, and underlying factors that shape young people's lives.

Session Outline - Friday 20 November, 2026

Welcome and Smoking Ceremony - 10:15am arrival for a sharp 10.30am start

From Survival to Purpose - 11:00am – 11:45am

·         Understanding the experiences behind behaviours often seen in young people.

Understanding Trauma and Behaviour - 11:45am – 12:30pm

·         How childhood trauma impacts emotional regulation, relationships and decision-making.

·         Looking beyond challenging behaviours to understand what young people may be experiencing.

·         The importance of trauma-informed approaches.

Break and light refreshments 12:30 - 1:00pm

Culture, Connection and Intervention - 1:00pm – 1:30pm

·         The role of culture, identity and belonging in healing.

·         Breaking generational cycles.

·         The importance of early intervention, genuine relationships and creating safe spaces.

Reflection, Discussion and Questions - 1:30pm – 2:15pm

·         Open discussion with attendees.

·         Reflecting on how services can better engage and support vulnerable young people.

·         Practical takeaways for professionals to bring back into their workplaces.

Session closes at 2:30 pm

Please note, this will be an interactive experience where people leave with more than information.

If you have questions about the content, please contact Jamali directly at Firstnationscs@outlook.com.

Accessibility Information

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all. This venue is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets. If you require any other accommodations to attend this training, please contact Ruth Yigletu at ruth.yigletu@penrith.city