Maybe it’s the buzz of a new name or the interactive space where fun and friendships take flight but it’s safe to say young people are swarming to The Hive.
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From camping trips and cooking classes to movies and music, the new-look youth resource centre in the former Lavington library building has been given the tick of approval by the most important critics – the people who walk through its doors.
James Flack, 12, looks forward to Friday movie nights during school holidays and loves dropping in to use the pool table, computers and catch up with friends.
“I just really like it here,” he said, matter-of-factly.
Edward Kendary, 14, has fantastic memories of a recent camping trip to Mount Pilot, supported by the Rotary Club of Albury West.
“We set up our own tents, went abseiling and did a big bush walk,” he said.
“I love coming to The Hive because it’s easy for us to get to and you make a lot of friends.”
YES youth services program manager Tam Quinn said the centre was really living up to its slogan of “somewhere to go, something to do, someone to talk to”.
“The Hive Youth Resource Centre has been an evolving service – it’s no longer just a drop-in centre, we have expanded to provide group work and youth leadership programs,” she said.
Having said that, the place itself is a hive of activity on Tuesdays to Fridays where youth can “drop in” and access a range of activities from using the pool table and game consoles to cooking, craft and music programs.
With a target age range of 11 to 19 years, the aim is to support young people to share their skills, interests and talents in running activities, according to Ms Quinn.
“We also provide school holiday activities aimed at promoting a mix in the space, such as craft days, movie afternoons, barbecues and external activities such as laser tag, cinema trips, camps, picnics and bowling,” she said.
“There is an adolescent family counsellor available weekly who can work with young people and families.”
Also willing to lend a friendly ear and wagging tail of welcome is resident mascot Gus – a kind-hearted labrador who is everyone’s favourite companion.
Meanwhile the Changemakers youth leadership group is starting to find its feet, meeting weekly to discuss youth issues and plan events and programs to help youth thrive at The Hive.