Sometimes our expectations of young people are too low.
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Programs tend to be geared at “minimal outcomes”, particularly when it comes to disadvantaged youth or those at risk of homelessness.
A new program run by YES Youth & Family Services aims to change all that by helping young people tap into their talents and spread their wings into a world of opportunity.
Talent Links coach Kate Ritchie said the program was all about seeing young people as assets.
“It’s more than just stopping them from falling through the cracks,” she said.
“We want to see young people thriving, not just surviving.”
Lavington’s re-branded youth centre The Hive is holding its opening today to coincide with NSW Youth Week from March 31 to April 9.
The centre has been buzzing with activity in recent weeks as young people, together with YES staff, enthusiastically pitched in to prepare for the celebrations.
With a 30-year history, the youth centre’s new location and signage at the former Lavington library is aimed at being more community friendly and accessible.
It’s also a colourful and inviting space for young people with everything from table tennis and guitars to computers and a “dream den” where imaginations can run wild on creative projects.
Through Talent Links, YES is seeking to highlight the strengths of young people, build on their skills and celebrate their talents.
From a young man’s passion for working with alpacas to another girl’s penchant for gore make-up, Ms Ritchie said it was important for young people to dream big.
Talent Links takes its inspiration from The Foyer Federation in the UK, with programs focused on talent building rather than problem management.
This is particularly important for young people who are experiencing difficulties such as homelessness or who are disengaged with education.
“The premise is that by nurturing talent you help young people become valuable, independent citizens who make positive contributions to their community,” Ms Ritchie explained.
“A young person is assigned a coach who can help them realise their aspirations – in the process sometimes other problems are resolved.”
Talent Links is one of a range of programs being run from The Hive and youth services program manager Tam Quinn said staff had been working hard to foster connections with local schools.
“We want them to be able to utilise us as a resource centre to create better outcomes for youth,” she said.
From drive programs to pet therapy, the aim is to build on projects that will cater for young people who present with a range of differing needs, according to Ms Quinn.
“We want to be able to be responsive and fill in the gaps for schools when the need arises,” she said.