INVERELL COMMUNITY YOUTH CENTRE
Why... ICYOUth
"ICYOUth provides a safe inclusive meeting place that supports the youth of our community."
Many young people in Australia today are impacted by problems stemming from poverty, broken & dysfunctional homes, domestic violence, sexual, physical & emotional abuse, death & grief and other traumatic events. As a consequence, they often struggle with education, employment, homelessness and mental illness, often turning to self-harm, suicide, drug & alcohol abuse, crime and violence. This has the potential to impact them long term, often into the next generation. Of course, this drastically affects the community they live in.
There is a well-established need for programs and organisations that intervene early and assist at-risk young people to improve their lives. By assisting our vulnerable youth, the whole community is strengthened and assisted.
- Harry & Rhonda
What We Do.
ICYOUth
Inverell Community Youth Centre
I C YOUth (Inverell Community Youth Centre) provides a safe inclusive meeting place that strives to support the youth of our community. We offer a variety of support, from; mentoring and chats, agencies & NGO referrals for specific assistance (i.e. for needs such as homelessness, conflicts, substance abuse, mental health, etc), advocacy, social events and life skill development. All aspects of support endeavour to empower and encourage the well-being of our youth community.
Advocacy is provided for young people who find it hard to speak up for assistance or struggle with understanding. The centre supports young people by liaising with schools, FACS, NGOs, police and varying youth specific organisations or services (e.g. Youth Insearch) as needed.
I C YOUth provides the opportunity for socialisation by hosting regular events and support groups, plus we offer a safe place to hang out after school. This doubles as a great opportunity to meet our youth workers and volunteers. Young people have access to assistance with school issues, homework & resumes, as well as referral services. Plus, our kitchen is available for snacks!
We build rapport and understanding with young people - gaining trust is paramount to offering support. Young people’s concerns are heard in a caring and trusting environment. Active listening by workers, volunteers and peers will affirm understanding and reassurance that they are not alone (crucial step for those contemplating suicide).
We aim to encourage young people in the arts – such as; music, singing, performing, drama, multimedia productions, dance and art – effective development and motivation tools. Additionally, offer space for cultural and classical drawing and painting. Our facility will host all relevant equipment to support this vision, offering instruction and encouragement one-on-one and in workshop style opportunities.
Our volunteers and partner organisations will assist in delivery life skills workshops. Many young people grow up not learning basic functions that were once taught in the home – e.g. cooking, sewing, basic mechanics. Our aim is to help young people develop these skills, to aid their lives, families and the wider community.
The youth centre is a central place that will enhance and enrich our community for the future by assisting those in need now. The impact on our future families will be long lasting thereby ensuring a positive impact on our future community as a whole.
The vision is that Inverell will soon have this youth centre!
© 2019 for Inverell Community Youth Centre. Template by wix.com individualised by bethanybell.org
Our Story
In 2018, we felt strongly impressed to initiate "ICYOUth". Since then, we have been planning, organising and networking to see this become a reality. We already have a committee of dedicated people impassioned to see this come to fruition. Our team is made up of people of various ages and backgrounds, from 14 to retirement, indigenous and non-indigenous, professionals, youth workers, parents, grandparents, teachers, builders and pastors. They are from a cross-section of our community, as they say, it takes a village to raise a child.
We have been involved with youth activities in our community for the past 5 years. This endeavour will be built upon our existing strong relationships with leaders, organisations, families and young people, many of whom have shared their struggles with us over this time. We are committed to our local community and look forward to leading this charge to invest further into it.
Our Youth Centre will be located at 18 Vivian Street, Inverell (opposite the Taxi rank). The building will require some tidying up and improvements, such as flooring, wall and ceiling lining. Volunteer labour has been made available for these works through Mobile Mission Maintenance (MMM Australia). We welcome any (and all) local community groups and businesses that would like to donate materials or time to help bring this to fruition. NB: The council are currently working with us on our DA.
So far, we have received a few large donations, we have also been given a great bus! Whoohoo!! Additional donations and funding have been sought and received from various platforms. However, if you would like to donate, please contact us using the form below. NB: Charitable and DGR status application is with the ACNC for processing.
Further exciting news to report; interest has been generated from varying sectors from Juvenile Justice/Magistrates, churches, individuals in our community, schools, police, the Shire, NGOs, Christian ministries and youth organisations.
This vision will be achievable with a “community buy-in” approach.
This project is for the community and by the community for the benefit of our future.
Mission
Statement
We see you. We hear you. We are here for YOUth.
Vision
Statement
We envision a community where our young people feel seen, heard and are empowered to make healthy life decisions. We do this by providing a dedicated safe space for young people; to chill out after school, provide free food, fun activities, special events and someone to support them.
Our mentors are here to work alongside our young people to support and listen, so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. To build their confidence, Resilience, persistence, life skills, and sense of community. Whether it be school work help, creating a resume, or personal stuff; We are here for you.
We believe by supporting the young people in our community today, we can empower them to achieve their full potential and become active members in our society tomorrow because “It takes a village to raise a child”.
The
Venue
"It takes a village to raise a child".
We have occupied our building at 18 vivian Street since early 2019. However, it was renovated so as to offer our full youth services and drop in centre. We worked closely with council and draftsmen to get the building up and going. Various businesses and community groups are working with us on this process.
UPDATE: Then covid happened... So renovations went all through 2020 and are now complete in the beginning of 2021.
Some programs are running already and some are starting with a slow roll out during 1st term 2021.
The youth centre looks great and is ready to roll !!
UPDATE: The ICYOUth centre officially opened 30th March 2021