TV host Sylvia Jeffreys has been named as the first national ambassador for Youngcare. For several years, the Today Show news reader has been a supporter of the organisation that provides housing and care options for young people. The new role formalises her involvement in a bid to help prevent young people with high care needs from entering aged care.
“I consider it an immense privilege to take on this new role with Youngcare, a team I’ve been proud to represent for many years. It is my hope that through my position as national ambassador I can help Youngcare to achieve meaningful change in the lives of the 700,000 Australian families in critical need of support,” she said.
Jeffreys is committed to spreading the word about the housing crisis for young people with high care needs. “I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some of these young people — their grit and determination is remarkable. Every young Australian deserves independence and dignity and this is what Youngcare is striving to achieve.”
It was Youngcare’s strong focus on driving change in the disability sector that interested Jeffreys initially. “There are great opportunities for progress in the disability sector in this country right now, and Youngcare will play a crucial role in facilitating these changes to the benefit of young Australians with high care needs,” she said.
Sylvia Jeffreys with actor and Youngcare advocate, Emily Dash.