Fact sheet developed by the Streetworkers Network October 2004
Streetwork . . . huh?
Streetwork is simply youth workers making contact with young people in public spaces. Youth workers who do this as their job are usually called streetworkers.
What's the point?
Streetworkers aim to meet young people who are not accessing youth services. Some of these young people may need some kind of help but do not know where to find it. Other young people may want to be involved in community or youth activities but don't know where to find info about them. Streetworkers help to bridge those gaps by actually taking their service out and about where young people hang out.
What kind of young people do streetworkers talk to?
Any young people. But different services have different 'target groups'. Some youth services focus on helping teenagers, other youth services work with teenagers and people up to their mid twenties. Generally speaking though, streetworkers will talk to just about any young people they come across. That way streetworkers become known in the community and young people can tell their friends who to see for help or info.
How can streetworkers help young people?
Streetworkers can help young people with a range of stuff just like normal youth workers. Some of the specific things that streetworkers may help with include . . .
- speaking up for young people
- employment
- education
- legal/ court matters
- mental health issues
- accommodation
- Centrelink problems
- counselling
- drug and alcohol info
- local services
- community activities
- and more!
If the streetworker cannot help with a problem or query they will try and find another service that can.
Streetworkers want to get to know local young people so they can be an older person who is trusted and safe to talk to about anything.
Want more info? Contact a Streetworker . . .
PARRAMATTA: Anglicare Child, Youth & Family Services - Street Outreach.
02 9687 6571 or 0408 003 409 street@anglicare.org.au
CANTERBURY/ MARRICKVILLE: Barnardos Streetwork Project
02 9718 0160 belmore@barnardos.org.au
BANKSTOWN: Bankstown Multicultural Youth Service
02 9790 3406 or 0403 569 085 streetworker2@bmys.ngo.org.au
SUTHERLAND SHIRE: Shire Wide Youth Services
02 9527 2033 outreach@shirewideyouth.org.au
BELLINGEN: Bellingen & Seaboard Youth Services
02 6655 0167 bsys@bnc.org.au
Is your local streetwork service not listed here?? Please let us know!! Email the Streetworkers Network: streetworker2@bmys.ngo.org.au
