Working with young people Making a difference What works and new ideas
About me • • • • • •
Have now worked for City of Salisbury for 9 years Rotarian for 7 years, PP, AG4 Past GSE South Korea – focus on Youth Twelve25 Salisbury Youth Enterprise Centre Parent of 10 year old twins and a 23 year old son Was previously based at Karoonda in Murray Mallee for 13 years
What we know.. • Youth unemployment now 19% in Northern Suburbs and state-wide 14-19% • Youth unemployment is significant – looking for full time employment – some quote 40% • School completion rates increasing, post school rates increasing, Uni participation increasing – why? • We know that finishing year 12 and doing post school training is critical but it is no longer a guarantee of employment opportunity
What we know.. • Youth offending is still a issue – crimes of boredom? • Homelessness and poverty effects young people in this state significantly – most of it is hidden – couch surfing • Food security and access (Fred’s, Essential) • Drug use is a challenging problem – THC and ICE, • Mental health – depression / anxiety will impact many young people through their adolescence years
What we know …. • The adolescent brain doesn’t fully mature until perhaps 25 years of age • Young people mature at different rates • Age of first sexual experience is 15 years of age • A young person aged 12 today – does not know about a world without the internet, has not experienced war or economic downturn, has only experienced wide media offering, is growing up in a multicultural world and is generally protected from perceived risk.
Programs at Twelve25 Journey through a few programs …. Then I will tell you why we do them like we do….. • Wheels in Motion (Employment) • Jibba Jabba Youth TV (Youth Voice) • Swim Club (New arrival) • Midnight basketball (At Risk Youth) • Pizza and Coffee Social Enterprise (Self employment)
Youth Developmental Assets • The search institute put together 40 assets that they believe to be important to young people. These assets are based around three main components, being: Strengths, Supports & Skills • All three are components that young people need in their life to overcome challenges and to succeed in life and to recognise and nurture their Interests and passions. • The more assets that the young person has out of the 40, determines how likely they are to achieve.
Examples of assets / indicators • • • • •
• • • • •
Feel safe in local community around their house Involved in a team activity or sport Involved in a religious or community organisation Have a significant adult in their lives who is not a parent or guardian Have people in their community with high expectations of them Have family boundaries Believes they are achieving at school Has a solid self image / believes they have a voice Plays a musical instrument Plans the use of their own time
So how does this help the Rotary? • Sometimes you cant provide a house to the homeless (but sometimes you can!) • Sometimes you cant take a child away from a drug addicted parent • You cant take a child from a situation of 3 generation unemployment
BUT
YOU CAN ….. • You can help a young mum with her kids soccer fees • You can choose to volunteer and mentor a young person or support programs that do • You can raise money for groups that provide young people a positive environment outside the home • You can sponsor awards and scholarships that recognise study commitment and achievement
YOU CAN? • Encourage and advocate for the rest of the village to also help – councils – 3rd spaces • Provide volunteering opportunities and ways for youth to serve our community • Respect and highlight youth voice • Understand the pressures on young people today • Listen and take the risk to talk to young people in your community
Contacts • Rick Henke • Manager Twelve25 • City of Salisbury • E rhenke@salisbury.sa.gov.au • P 84068555 • F www.facebook.com/youthinsalisbury