Three minutes with...Allie Gough

Allie Gough

Q: How did you get into counselling?

A: I had my daughter when I was teenager, and during the whole process of giving birth I felt like no one was listening to me. I thought someone needed to advocate for young people and give them a voice.

Q: What do think is the biggest issue facing young people these days?

A: Oh my gosh there so many, probably effective communication in their families. They just need communication with mum and dad, because many don’t get listened to. Also home used to be a safe spot, but now teenagers can be bullied on the internet and their mobile phone – there is no where they can go to be safe.

Q: What is the worst thing you’ve seen in your job of youth counsellor?

A: I deal with everything from drugs, alcohol, self esteem issues... probably the worst is young people who don’t have anyone to talk to and feel so trapped.

Q: What’s the most common issue you see?

A: Self harm. A lot of young people are going through self harm and self esteem issues. Some young people think it’s cool. Some think it’s the only way to get heard.

Q: What’s the best thing parents can do for their kids?

A: Be there for them, take them out for coffee and ice-cream and ask ‘how are you?’ Parents also need to set boundaries and you can’t give boundaries and discipline without effective communication.

Q: Why do you hold music festivals?

A: It’s about young people having a voice in Logan. Kids aren’t old enough to vote, so it gives them something to do. And music festivals fit a whole range of young people.

Q: What is the biggest issue affecting kids from Logan?

A: They’ve already got that stigma put on them being from Logan, so that’s a challenge right there. We’ve got great facilities, great schools, but there is still that stigma.

Q: What can we do for the youth of Logan?

A: Enhance young people and local talent by giving them mentors, encouragement and support.

Q: Why are you focussed on helping Logan youth?

A: I’m Logan born and bred baby. If I don’t, who will?

Q: What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt in your life?

A: If you don’t do it no one will. Good things are hard for a reason.

Q: What’s next for you?

A: I’ve got big plans. I want True North youth camps to be an every day household name and the Logan youth festival happening annually.