September 1-28, 2024: Issue 634

 

Avalon Youth hub becomes 'Beaches Hub'


Good news for young people and their families on the Barrenjoey peninsula, as Council endorsed a significant development for Avalon Youth Hub earlier this year.

The former Avalon Customer Contact Centre was offered to Avalon Youth Hub, enabling the expansion of its services and providing additional support to tackle the challenges faced by young people. 

In 2017 then Barrenjoey High School Principal Ian Bowsher approached the Burdekin Association for help in opening a local youth hub to offer support services for younger residents.

In May 2018 the Avalon Youth Hub was launched.

Mr. Bowsher said then, 
"First of all let me say that I think the 18th of May 2018 is going to be a very special day. It’s a very special day for all the people in our community, for all of Avalon and all the surrounding areas that are here. I think our voices will now finally be heard and I think our kids voices will permanently be heard, which is really important to me, and to you.

"In answer to your question Justene, as a Principal of a school where lots of students, where 1 in 4, so 25% of students, are suffering in one way or another throughout their times in high school and in primary school, where youth ill health and homelessness is on the rise, alcohol issues are on the rise – there are a list of concerns that we have. 

"What I dreamed that this Hub becomes is a place where people are willingly prepared to talk about these issues rather than them being dealt with in the shadows. I think that concern that we have when someone is having ill health and not knowing where to send them can be undone by this particular project. Its being in the centre of town, the selection was very important so people know that it’s there as a place where we can direct our young people, our students, our parents where they can get guidance and advice; where they can seek specific advice for their purpose or advice for their young person or friend or even their parent on how to deal with drug and alcohol issues or mental health, whatever it might be they need help with, I think it’s vitally important that that is now available.

The next thing I think is vitally important for our community has been the fact that for the people that have stayed in contact with this project is the realisation that a non-government organisation, a primary health group coming together, school education coming together, the local council as well as state and federal coming together with one objective. That’s a rare thing to get all those same people in the same room to contribute their time and their energy towards one end. I applaud all of those people for their contribution.

I think that, in the long run, we’ll be able to normalise the conversation around ill health for our young people. So, I thank you."


Mr. Bowsher at the launch

Since then the hub on the Barrenjoey peninsula has been a beacon for young people.

The Avalon Youth Hub is a successful collaboration of support services, with The Burdekin Association as the lead agency. The service providers work together to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of young people, providing free one-on-one counselling, case management and mentoring, advice, referrals and general support to young people.

“Last year (2023), The Avalon Youth Hub provided 285 sessions of free counselling through KYDS, Mission Australia, headspace Brookvale, Sydney Drug and Education Counselling Centre (SDECC) and The Burdekin Association. 

And, 350 students across the Pittwater region were informed about support services available to them. Now, we can increase the number of services to affected young people. It will undoubtedly have a positive transformational impact on young people in our communities.” - Justene Gordon, CEO of The Burdekin Association, Lead Agency of the Avalon Youth Hub

With the acquisition of this new space, the Hub will be able to extend its reach and offer additional workshops and information sessions. This expansion is a testament to the commitment of the Avalon Youth Hub to address the diverse needs of young individuals and the broader community.

The decision to allocate the former Avalon Customer Contact Centre to the Avalon Youth Hub followed a viability review. Through an Expressions of Interest process, the Northern Beaches Council evaluated several proposals and ultimately endorsed a community license agreement with The Burdekin Association acting as the lead agency of the Avalon Youth Hub.

The decision to endorse the expansion of the Hub is a testament to Council’s commitment to the wellbeing of young people on the peninsula. By investing in initiatives that address mental health and support systems, it has taken a proactive approach to tackle a pressing issue faced by the community. The availability of free counselling, case management, mentoring, advice, referrals, and general support services will serve as a safety net for young individuals who may be struggling with their mental health or experiencing difficulties in their lives.

With the expansion a celebration was held on Wednesday afternoon, September 18. 

With the Avalon Youth Hub evolving, Burdekin were thrilled to introduce their new identity: Beaches Youth Hub.

This event marked the beginning of a new chapter of expanded programs and services on offer to support young people in our community.

To find out more about the Avalon Youth Hub, please visit their updated Beaches Hub web site. 

Drop-in visitors are welcome Mondays 10am–5pm and Wednesdays 2-5pm. 59 Old Barrenjoey Road, Pittwater.  You can also reach them on 0487 936 875.  


Photo: celebrating the expansion of what's on offer at the Beaches Hub last Wednesday. Photo: Burdekin Association

If you or anyone you know needs help:
PANDA on 1300 726 306
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Headspace on 1800 650 890

2018 Launch. Photos; AJG/PON