One stop resource shop live for youths

AN online information hub has launched to keep the district’s young people ‘in the loop,’ but not overloaded.

Ballarat Youth Services’ new Linktr.ee site has gone live to help 12 to 25 year olds access the valuable community resources and services they need in a succinct way, without feeling overwhelmed.

City of Ballarat youth engagement and events officer, Tabitha Rickard said linktr.ee/ballaratyouthservices is a central point for all youth services in Ballarat, and is easy to navigate while “constantly changing and evolving.”

“It will link kids to what all the services are providing in Ballarat, so they may go to the Linktr.ee looking for one thing and realise there’s lots of other stuff they could be accessing that wasn’t on their radar,” she said.

From fitness tips to COVID-19 updates, there’s clear information for people in all circumstances and from all walks of life.

“We’ve got advice for accessing mental health services, free physical activities, links to all the virtual events and activities like Fully Sick Fest and Girl Space, Ballarat Community Health’s Tight Arse Cookbook…

“It will be updated on a regular basis, now and beyond,” Ms Rickard said.

During times of crisis, like the present, she said it is crucial for youth service providers to have a united front.

“It was important that we establish this meeting point, with the sectors, to regularly update each other. They’re getting the whole picture of what’s available.”

Twelve-year-old Manasseh Florentine is on the “inclusive” City of Ballarat Youth Council. As someone volunteering and sharing ideas to improve connectedness amongst young people, he hopes his peers will get online and make the most of the Linktr.ee.

“It’s a really good website for all youth to go to, especially in the current situation in our community,” he said.

“It’s important because some young people are not interested in watching or reading the news, but they can go to the site and access information, put to them in an easy way.

“If we go to this website, see all the new information and know what’s going on, then we can stay all connected during this time in isolation.”