Wallan's very own Youth Hub was officially opened by Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green and Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Rhonda Sanderson on Friday 12 March.
The former Wellington Street kindergarten building has been transformed into a $1.74 million one stop shop of essential youth support provided by The Bridge Youth Service to meet the needs of young people in one of the Victoria's fastest growing towns.
The Bridge Youth Service will manage the facility, providing their suite of services as well as assisting other providers outreaching to the area. Services that will be available include housing and homelessness services, mental health, substance abuse, family relationships and support for young parents.
There will be a variety of early intervention programs including family reconciliation, adolescent support, links to education, future parenting programs and school disengagement. It is envisaged new group programs and other services will be provided once the facility is opened.
The integrated Youth Services Hub features:
- youth social spaces
- consulting rooms
- intake rooms
- GP room
- modern reception and waiting area
- · landscaped open space, seating and shade
- open plan kitchen
The initiative has been a key focus for the Mitchell Shire Youth Council who worked alongside Mitchell Shire Council to highlight the need for increased youth services, particularly mental health support in the area. The partnership helped secure government funding for the fit-out.
Council made an in kind contribution of $1.09 million to the project, the State Government contributed $645,789 through the Growing Suburbs Fund.
The Youth Services Hub ticks two very important boxes recommended by The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System - it provides early intervention and offers services much closer to home.
