Golden Plains Shire Council has partnered with Barwon Child Youth and Family (BCYF) to provide youth drug and alcohol support to young people aged 12 to 25 years at the Golden Plains Youth Hub, Milton Street, Bannockburn.
The program will provide free, safe and confidential support to young people by providing general information and education around alcohol and other drug use, and the option for further referral where appropriate.
Held every Wednesday at the Golden Plains Youth Hub from 1:30 until 3:30pm, the program is available to all young people aged 12 to 25 and may be suitable for those with substance misuse issues, those concerned about friends or family or those who are just at a curious age.
The Youth Drug and Alcohol support program will be held in addition to the weekly schedule of activities currently on offer at the Golden Plains Youth Hub throughout term three.
The term three schedule includes varied activities to interest a range of young people across the Shire including Y Art on Mondays, Youth Activation Committee meetings and Study Space sessions on Tuesdays, Drop-In and Hang Out sessions on Wednesdays and the FReeZa Youth Events Crew meetings and Drop-In sessions on Thursdays. All activities will be held from 3:30 until 6:30pm.
During Drop-In sessions, young people can get involved in a range of activities including video games, arts and crafts, music, reading, study, sport, a game of giant rainbow Jenga and more. Healthy snacks are also provided.
The Youth Activation Committee (YAC) is a committed group of young people who advocate on issues that are important to them and provide Council’s Youth Development team with valuable insights into the needs, opinions, strengths, and challenges of young people across Golden Plains. The YAC also run projects throughout the year to improve the wellbeing and resilience of young people and provide guidance on Golden Plains Youth Hub activities.
The FReeZA Youth Events Crew is a Victorian Government initiative that supports young Victorians to get involved in their community by planning and running drug, smoke and alcohol-free music and cultural events for other young people.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said Council is committed to providing programs that support young people in Golden Plains.
“Council is proud to partner with Barwon Child Youth and Family to offer a program for young people in Golden Plains to discuss alcohol and other drug use in a safe and supportive environment and seek help if they need it.
“In addition to the programs at the Golden Plains Youth Hub, Council offers opportunities for youth across the Shire to connect and learn. One such program is Council’s inaugural Youth Art Program which begins on Saturday 23 July in Smythesdale and provides young people the opportunity to create their own ‘art book’ and ‘wall hung art piece’.
“Council’s Youth programs aim to support improved health, education and employment outcomes for young people in Golden Plains to ensure they are connected, resilient and empowered to lead active and fulfilling lives.”
To discuss any of the Youth programs in Golden Plains, contact the Youth Development team at 5220 7111 or [email protected].