THE Surf Coast Shire will explore more ways to support young people to participate in their community following the 2017 Surf Coast Youth Survey, which attracted 700 responses.<\/p>\n
As well as conducting the annual survey, the Surf Coast Youth Development Team visited Lorne P-12 College and Surf Coast Secondary College to chat to students and listen to their views.<\/p>\n
The survey asked young people aged between 12 and 25 for their input, and sought adults\u2019 perspectives about young people.<\/p>\n
There were similarities between their responses, including \u201cpositive relationships\u201d being the top issue of personal concern for young people.<\/p>\n
Asked what the Surf Coast needs most for young people, \u201csports ovals\u201d (67 per cent) topped the list for both young people and parents, followed by \u201cemployment opportunities\u201d (57 per cent) and \u201cbetter public transport\u201d (52 per cent).<\/p>\n
In the past two years, school and mental health have remained as personal concerns for young people.<\/p>\n
Cr Rose Hodge said it was pleasing to see that the feedback from young people aligned with goals in the Council Plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately, we want young people and their families to be able to access the services and support they need.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe recognise that our youth have a variety of interests \u2013 from sports to music to the arts. It\u2019s about supporting them to be involved in what they\u2019re passionate about, and providing opportunities so that they can contribute to their community.\u201d<\/p>\n
She noted one finding from the 2016 youth survey had resulted in the soon-to-be-launched Surf Coast Youth Pod.<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s survey found there was a need to establish a youth-specific facility that provided health and wellbeing services in a safe location.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Surf Coast Youth Pod will be officially launched at Winchelsea Skate Park on December 17 with a free community event,\u201d Cr Hodge said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is what the youth survey is all about \u2013 hearing the voices of our young people and responding to their needs. I\u2019m looking forward to seeing the initiatives that come from this year\u2019s survey.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Surf Coast Shire will explore more ways to support young people to participate in their community following the 2017 Surf Coast Youth Survey, which attracted 700 responses. As well as conducting the annual survey, the Surf Coast Youth Development Team visited Lorne P-12 College and Surf Coast Secondary College to chat to students and […]<\/p>\n