Young people across Southern NSW will be given a boost in education and employment opportunities, as local police and staff from PCYC begin their Term 3 police programs.
Across the third school term, police and PCYC staff will deliver a suite of specialised programs in Wollongong, Narooma, Goulburn and the Southern Highlands.
The range of programs aim to get young people job ready, break the domestic violence cycle, prevent and reduce re-offending, bring disengaged youth back into the education system and improve the overall wellbeing of at-risk youth.
Youth and Crime Prevention Commander, Superintendent Mark Wall said the programs ultimately aim to provide support and opportunities for young people to succeed.
"The partnership between police and PCYC is instrumental in building positive relationships and breaking down any barriers that may exist between police and young people," Superintendent Wall said.
"We have had some great success stories coming out of these programs so far, and we are looking forward to working closely with these young people throughout term three.
"Community is at the heart of policing, and our officers will continue to be out there every day working as both role models and mentors for young people."
Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM said the programs that will be run across the Southern Region aim to connect young people facing challenges at home, school or in the community.
"By incorporating job ready programs, mentoring and vocational training in our programs, we believe we can make a genuine difference in the lives of young people," Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
"It's important that these young people have positive experiences with police, and giving them access to our officers through fun and friendly programs is a great step forward."
The programs form part of the NSW Police Commissioner's RISEUP Strategy, a collaborative approach which involves PCYC NSW, NSW Police and industry leaders working together to achieve positive outcomes for young people.
Fit for Work in Wollongong targets young people aged 15 to 18 who are facing challenges at home, school or in the community. The program aims to reduce and prevent their involvement in antisocial behaviour and/or crime by providing them with positive opportunities that will educate, inspire and empower them into the workforce.
The PCYC Institute, a NSW Registered Training Organisation (RTO), developed the 10-week syllabus to ensure the material is relevant and engaging for the target group. Local police act as mentors during the program, working in partnership with young people to make sound decisions and to grow in confidence to instil genuine long-term resilience.
"The goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people who are facing challenging circumstances in life, while giving them opportunities to get 'Fit for Work' by transitioning them from training, to work experience, then to full-time employment or apprenticeships," PCYC CEO Dominic Teakle said.
"Fit for Work is a life changing employment program encompassing education, fitness, functional numeracy, literacy and life skills including first aid, as well as vocational training in Certificate I (Retail), White Card (Construction) and work experience or employment. It balances educational modules with activities young people can engage with like sports, recreation and excursions."
Fit Together in Far South Coast (Narooma) is a co-designed program developed with the local community to prevent and reduce re-offending, as well as encourage positive relationships between local Police and the Aboriginal community. Fit Together aims to instil confidence, increase self-esteem and help Aboriginal youth reach their full potential, and targets youth aged 10-17 years.
Far South Coast will also run the PCYC Job Ready Course, an intensive four-day program designed to get young people aged 15-17 job ready. Participants learn how to create an effective resume, seek work and successfully navigate a job interview. By the end of the program participants also gain accredited First Aid and White Card certificates.
Fit For Home in Goulburn is designed to break the cycle of domestic and family violence, and develop the skills young people need to treat their partners, family and friends with respect. The program targets youth aged 12-17 years.
Fit To Learn in the Southern Highlands aims to re-engage disengaged youth back into the education system, allowing them to develop intellectually and socially within a safe academic environment. The program is aimed at youth aged 14-17 years.
Fit For Life is currently offered at every PCYC club across NSW. The early intervention program is designed to engage youth aged 10-17 who are at risk of poor choices and anti-social behaviour. Through physical fitness, nutrition and social engagement, Fit For Life aims to improve overall wellbeing as well as prevent and divert youth from offending behaviours.
- ENDS -
Please direct media inquiries and interview requests to NSW Police Force Southern Region Media Officer, Emilie Wells, on 0447490521 or [email protected]
About PCYC NSW
With 64 Clubs throughout the state and over 116,000 members, Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC NSW) is Australia's pre-eminent youth organisation working with Police and community to empower young people to reach their potential. For more visit www.pcycnsw.org.au
For more information about police programs visit https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/programs/police-programs/
