Supporting Youth to Thrive

For children and young people, having a place to connect with themselves, grow and achieve their goals is important to guide them toward a positive future. Vinnies offers a range of services helping kids and young people to be happy, supported and safe as they learn about themselves and the world around them.

On Sydney’s Northern Beaches, our Youth Reach drop-in centre welcomes 11- to 24-year-olds, giving them a free space to access support, activities and opportunities. Over a recent six-month period, we had 335 young people come through the Youth Reach doors. While this service is currently closed due to the need to maintain social distancing, we continue to provide case management, support and assistance to young people and their families via phone and email.

The centre offers everything from gym equipment to help young people stay fit, to a music studio to harness personal expression, and a fully-equipped café to help them learn barista skills and boost opportunities for employment.

Those who drop into Youth Reach have a lot of fun, but they also gain important support to address any mental health, drug or alcohol, education or employment issues they may be facing.

“It’s a safe space where young people can socialise and participate in constructive activities,” explained Youth Reach Manager, Rhonda Moore. “We help disconnected or disengaged young people back into their families, education and training, and their community.”