Youth support extended

The Youth Check-in and Chat service is for residents aged 12 to 25 years old. 167288_01

Wyndham council is extending its Check-in and Chat service to provide support to the city’s young people.

The Youth Check-in and Chat service, for residents aged 12 to 25 years old, will consist of six weekly phone or video sessions between a young person and a council youth development officer.

The council’s city life director, Allison Kenwood, said Wyndham’s young people needed extra support after months of lockdown and restrictions, which has had a “huge impact” on the social lives that they can depend on for their ongoing development.

“Studying from home with siblings – and possibly their parents working from home too – is a challenging situation for teenagers and young adults who are used to a certain freedom,” Ms Kenwood said.

“Our experienced youth workers specialise in helping young people set goals and stay motivated, providing practical and age-appropriate advice, strategies and assistance.

“Our youth development officers can discuss ideas of what to do in isolation to combat stress and boredom, how to develop life skills, implement strategies to help with relationships and future aspirations.

“They can also liaise with young people’s schools, to help them re-engage with education.”

Ms Kenwood said the council could connect young people with counselling, job service networks, education and training options, foodbank, housing and Centrelink case managers.

To register for the service, visit bit.ly/3p0W2I1or call 8734 1355.