Funding makes an impact on youth support

A PROGRAM that provides intensive support, engagement in education and training and greater pathways to employment for young people is under way in Geelong.

The state government invested more than $4 million over three years earlier this year to deliver the Empower Youth program to areas experiencing social and economic disadvantage.

Barwon Child, Youth and Family is one of eight organisations to have received funding for its ImPACT project through Empower Youth.

The others are Centacare Ballarat, the South Sudanese Association in Victoria, The Islamic Council of Victoria, The Salvation Army (Victoria), Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Co-op Ltd, Wyndham City Council and Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS).

The grants are the first funding by the Victorian government in seven years specifically aimed at funding youth workers.

The organisations have already employed 15 youth workers to support up to 400 young people in their communities every year to develop and deliver individual plans that focus on the key elements of community participation: health and wellbeing, education and training, and employment pathways.

“We’re employing youth workers to help support young people in low socioeconomic areas engage in positive activities that will see them become more productive members of their communities,” Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos said.

“The Empower Youth program will provide tailored support for vulnerable young Victorians to give them the support they need to reach their full potential.”

For more information on Empower Youth, head to youthcentral.vic.gov.au.