Young people living in Inverell who are struggling with social, learning and mental health issues now have a welcoming space to access help in the town’s CBD, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, centre, joining Mia Hatcher, left, Inverell Shire Mayor Paul Harmon, Inverell Community Youth worker Rosemaree Deas, behind, Inverell Community Youth board member Rhonda Mason, Blaire Cleal and ICYOUth board member Harry Mason to officially open the ICYouth Centre.
Tuesday, 6 April 2021
YOUNG people living in Inverell who are struggling with social, learning and mental health issues now have a welcoming space to access help in the town’s CBD, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall joining the community to officially open the new ICYouth Centre last week.
Last year, the State Government provided $280,000 through the Stronger Country Communities Fund to establish the youth centre and support its operation for the first three years.
“This facility has been proposed by the Inverell community, built by the community and now I’m pleased to say officially open for the community,” Mr Marshall said.
“With the former industrial shed on Vivian Street now transformed into a safe, functional learning environment, local youth workers can start the hard work assisting young people doing it tough.
“Through this development Rhonda Mason and her team at Inverell Youth Services have established a multi-purpose work space which can cater for all manner of youth programs including homework and tutoring assistance and outreach programs.
“Importantly the centre will have qualified staff who are able to refer young people to specialist services for mental health, homelessness, drug and alcohol usage and anger management.
“To further support this centre’s success I’m proud the State Government has been able to provide $71,280 to assist with three years of operational costs. This funding will take the initial financial pressure off ICYOUth’s board, as it focusses on improving the lives of local young people.
“ICYouth is the circuit-breaker Inverell needs to reduce youth related social issues and crime and increase the overall wellbeing of young people in the area.”
ICYOUth board member Harry Mason said the youth centre had the potential to change the course of our community for years to come.
“By supporting our young ones to achieve their full potential and break negative cycles we have an opportunity to instigate generational change here in Inverell,” Mr Mason said.
“People in the community often come to us and say how much they feel this centre is needed, while other support agencies are telling us this how the facility will assist them in outreach and connecting with at risk youth.
“Most importantly the young people of Inverell think this is a great opportunity and are very excited about it too.”
The full list of services provided at the ICYOUth Centre includes:
- Homework and tutoring assistance
- Support groups
- Referrals for mental health, homelessness, drug and alcohol usage, anger management
- Drop in centre where teens can hang out and find inclusion and acceptance. Meet up with youth workers and to have FUN.
- Facilitate workshops and meetings
- Host support groups
- Cooking classes and food, snacks and drinks
- Art and music classes – both contemporary and cultural
- Advocate services between teens and home or teens and school or courts or police, etc
- Yarns and games
- Mentoring programs
- Life skill programs