Mallee Track communities can now easily access a program that provides help and support to young people who are at risk of disengaging from education and other mainstream activities.
Youth Connections, which is delivered by Mildura Rural City Council in partnership with Sunraysia Murray Group Training commenced operations from the Ouyen Hospital Neighbourhood House this week.
Community Portfolio Councillor Judi Harris said a Youth Connections worker would work from the Ouyen site one day per fortnight to allow people in the southern areas of the municipality to access the service.
“Early this year Council received funding from the Australian government to deliver the Youth Connections program over the next four years and we’re committed to ensuring everyone in the region can access it,” she said.
Youth Connections provides people aged between 11 and 19 years with opportunities and resources to assist them to re-engage in education and live healthily.
Program staff work with a range of young people – from those who are at risk of disengaging from school to those who are already severely disengaged from education, family and community. The Youth Connections program is flexible and tailored to meet the needs of the young person’s situation while building resilience and improve wellbeing.
“Council offers a range of services and case management support systems for young people and their families, in partnership with SMGT through Youth Connections and I believe we can make a real difference to many people’s lives through the program,” Cr Harris said.
