Wynnum YACCA

Philosophy & Vision

Based at BABI Youth and Family Service, the Youth And Community Program (YACP) seeks to offer holistic and integrated services to local "at-risk" young people who are at risk of offending or those experiencing limited opportunities for participation in the social, cultural or economic life of the community.

YACP aims to encourage greater community participation in providing support for young people. It provides young people with support that encourages them to develop their strengths and their capacity to make positive life choices. Workers support them in reaching their goals through the provision of a range of services such as counselling, group work, LINX drop-in centre and community projects.

Our work is grounded in a belief that strong communities and healthy relationships create happier and healthier young people. The Youth and Community Program (YACP) works collaboratively with young people in a holistic and respectful way that connects young people to their community while supporting them in the pursuit of their personal aspirations.

Our Vision

"Celebrating YOUth"

Our Values

YOUNG PEOPLE - Celebrating young people's strengths, abilities, aspirations and courage
FAMILY - Valuing family and their importance in young people's lives
COMMITMENT - Dedication to excellence in service delivery
RESPECT - Honouring the dignity of all
SOCIAL JUSTICE - Recognizing and promoting fairness, equality and human rights
INTEGRITY - To be honest, trustworthy, genuine and ethical
COURAGE - to walk and talk with bravery and fortitude
COLLABORATION - establishing relationships that benefit young people, families and the community
DIVERSITY - To welcome and celebrate difference
INNOVATION - Embracing opportunities to create, develop and reform services in response to the needs of young people, families and community

Our Goals

1. To provide services within the framework of BABI's values, that are responsive to the needs of young people, families and community, encouraging each person to realize his/her potential.
2. To provide an effective and viable organizational infrastructure and actively promote development and independence that will sustain BABI's core values and commitment to the community.
3. To provide a range of professional services that focus on alleviating youth homelessness and promoting the growth and well-being of young people at-risk.

Characteristics of the area in which we work

The Wynnum and Redlands areas are on Moreton Bay, east of Brisbane. Older residents make up the majority of Wynnum's population, whereas nearly half the households in the Redlands have children. Problematic issues include the use of public space, graffiti and substance abuse.

A large number of local young people experience the following stressors/risk factors:
• Family breakdown
• Lack of self-worth
• Anti-social peer group
• Limited education and employment opportunities
• Lack of skills and abilities to develop social resilience

Activities and services that we provide

Wynnum/Redlands Youth and Community Program (YACP) provides a variety of different activities and services that focus on support, youth participation and youth engagement:
• Ongoing counseling for "at risk" young people and young offenders.
• Family Counseling or mediation
• LINX Drop-in centre (youth space) 3 afternoons a week
• Bay Wave Youth and Community Festival
• Youth Voice Committee
• School Holiday Programs and recreational activities
• Passion 4 Fashion Project

Our model of service delivery

The Youth and Community Program (YACP) works collaboratively with young people and their community to provide a range of programs that are designed to meet their needs. Through lobbying, advocacy and community development, we promote a positive image of young people and challenge the structural barriers and negative stereotypes imposed upon them. Based at BABI Youth and Family Service, the Program promotes healthy and strong community partnerships through the development of and participation in local community networks.

Youth and Community Program (YACP) uses a number of different frameworks and models when working with young people:

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Emphasis is on sharing community resources and working in collaboration and partnerships with other community and business groups for the benefit of young people accessing the YAC Program. This includes Youth festival/s, community projects, networks and partnerships.

YOUTH COUNSELLING

The counselling service uses a collaborative, strength-based, client-centred framework that focuses on the importance of the relationship with clients throughout the intervention to address risk factors and encourage the young person's fullest development. This includes provision of personal support and counselling, family counseling and mediation and other therapeutic support services.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Emphasis is on providing youth with opportunities that enhance young person's judgment and critical-thinking skills for wise and healthy choices and teach them skills in communication, negotiation and conflict resolution. Outcomes/benefits include increase in self-esteem, confidence, improved ability to handle stress, ability to experience and deal with a range of emotions including anger and improved positive coping skills. This includes provision of Personal and Social Development Programs and group work.

LINX YOUTH SPACE - Drop-in centre

Emphasis is on building healthy relationship/s with the most vulnerable and at-risk youth in the local community and a provision of support which contribute to their sense of belonging, their self-esteem, their connection to peers and adults beyond the family and beyond the school, and which nurture both desire and their ability to contribute to the community and control their lives. It is a partnership with Brisbane City Council and it includes provision of drop-in centre 3 afternoons a week and School Holiday Programs (recreational activities).

YOUTH VOICE

Young people participate in planning and organizing community events, participate in decision-making, provide youth workers with knowledge on the latest trends, make suggestions and ideas about projects that YACP should undertake. This includes Youth Voice Committee and Youth Voice website.

INFORMATION & REFERRAL

Provision of information to young people of other relevant services that they can access and use, based on their interests and needs. This includes internal and external service information and referral.

Recent Outcomes

• Bay Wave Youth Festival attracts 1000-1500 local young people on the day and provides opportunities for youth to share their skills and talents with their community and to engage in positive activities and workshops based on their interests. It also features young upcoming bands and always popular skate and bike comps and youth info stalls.
• Increased participation in individual counselling and therapy for youth at-risk.
• Established a better relationship with a Family Support Program and working more collaboratively to support young people and their families.
• Participants in the Passion 4 Fashion Project reported increased self-esteem and confidence as well as improvement in communication, team work and social skills.
• Increased engagement and integration of young people in community activities and recreational programs/opportunities for at-risk youth. Delivered fun and recreational activities to youth at risk, during January, June-July and September- October school holidays. In the last year, more than 350 young people participated in activities and workshops delivered during the school holiday period.
• More than 1000 young people participated in the LINX Drop-in centre and youth activities and workshops in the last year.
• Increased knowledge of other support services.

Recent Community Development projects

• The Bay Wave Youth Festival is a partnership with BABI Youth and Family Service, LINX Youth Space, Brisbane City Council, Winnam ATSIC, Bayside PCYC, Qld Health, Boystown and other youth and community groups.
• The Youth Justice Counselling Program liaises with and receives referrals from a number of local networks and community groups particularly from Department of Child Safety, Youth Justice centres, Child and Youth Mental Health Services etc.
• The Passion 4 Fashion Project is a partnership with Wynnum State High School and local businesses and community who support the program through provision of resources.
• LINX School Holiday Program/s is a partnership with Brisbane City Council, BABI Youth and Family Service, Youth Accommodation Program, Get Set For Work Program and other local youth and community agencies.
• LINX Youth Space Project - Drop-in centre is a partnership with Brisbane City Council and BABI Youth and Family Service.

Participation in:
• Youth and Community Combined Action Network (YACCAN)
• Youth Spaces Network (YSN)
• Redlands Youth Network (RYN)

Partnerships with:
• LINX Wynnum Youth Space
• Brisbane City Council
• Get Set For Work Program
• Youth Support Coordinators
• Port of Brisbane
• Family Support Program (FSP)
• Youth Accommodation Program (SAAP)
• Local schools
• Other youth and community services