Turning young lives around

Families hide domestic violence, anger control issues, mental health concerns, and substance addictions behind closed doors. These things happen even in the wealthiest suburbs, and when they happen, the young people in the family can often enter a downwards spiral of risk-taking as they seek to find belonging, outside the family, and on the streets. In the best situations they come to the attention of a teacher, a health care worker, or the police who help that young person access the counselling and support they need. In other cases, they slip through the cracks. This is where Streetwork come in.

 The 11 to 18-year-olds in Streetwork’s goals-based mentor program KickStart are typically experiencing the stress of family breakdown and in need of a positive role model. Vulnerable young people don’t have the luxury of sleeping in a safe, warm bed or waking up to a healthy breakfast. You might be surprised how many young people will be sleeping rough on the Northern Beaches tonight – on a mate’s floor or in a tent behind trees in a local sports field, or in the home of an  unsavoury adult preying on their vulnerability.

What do we do at Streetwork?
First up, we allocate the young person their own youth caseworker, a personal mentor who understands the young person andcan communicate on their level. 

What is their level?
Every young person has an interest or hobby, a favourite musician or place to eat, that they feel connected to. It might be graffiti art, rap music, song writing, photography, or movies. The trick is finding it. 

When found, the mentor shares in the young person’s interests, building trust and motivation. Once you validate a young person’s interests, you can start to speak their language, demonstrate that you care about their dreams and what makes them happy. With an understanding of their purpose, the mentor will help the young person set goals. Having the right help is vital to achieving these personal targets.

The Northern Beaches has a range of youth-specific services, including drug and alcohol counselling, legal advice, crisis accommodation, school re-engagement and career pathways support, and Streetwork help young people link to the services that they need most. Without Streetwork, finding the right help can be challenging and confusing. And without a Streetwork mentor to encourage them, young people put up barriers and avoid attending appointments. Streetwork guide young people into the services they need to achieve their goals. We build resilience, confidence, and life skills.  

 One of Streetwork’s essential services is youth advocacy at local police stations. Kids who are arrested on suspicion of criminal activity, and don’t have a parent to support them, are confused and frightened. Streetwork advocates ensure the young person feels safe and comfortable, is treated fairly and can access legal support.