from yaprap June-July 2009
by Louise Collins
YWCA
Community in the Kitchen is a YWCA project funded by the Australian Government to implement a diverse program of social, educational and employment opportunities for youth at risk of offending or re-offending. The project works in partnership with local stakeholders from TAFE, Lismore City Council, Richmond Area Command and other youth and job network services.
The model was developed in response to a growing concern over the increasing number of youth involved in criminal activity in the area. It also addresses a number of issues identified in youth forums, government reports and independent research that indicated barriers to youth accessing training and employment. The model is one outlined in the Pathways to Prevention report (see below) using harm minimisation strategies including:
- providing a youth friendly environment
- acknowledging the critical transition points in a young person’s life, and
- providing appropriately skilled workers to manage the often difficult and sensitive situations that arise.
The model aligns with report recommendations and varies from short term single method to an intensive longer term approach. The three components in the program which can be delivered individually or together are:
- vocational training in hospitality, delivered in partnership with TAFE.
- youth enterprise project - using new skills developed in the training to create a business plan as the basis for a catering business
- commencement of a catering business to create employment opportunities and give sustainability to the project.
The target group is young people aged 15-24 years, with a priority to engage young Aboriginal people. The program coordinator works closely with local police youth liaison officers and juvenile justice workers as well as youth and community services to enrol young offenders and at risk youth.
The YWCA provides a welcoming and non-threatening training environment with hospitality trainers experienced in working with youth at risk. A YWCA Coordinator’s position provides crucial additional support to maintain participant engagement. The service has been well received by case workers:
“We were met with a warm welcoming and accommodating learning environment. As a result of undertaking the course my client has grown both in knowledge and self-esteem,” one case worker said. “This young person now has pride in himself and has the courage and confidence to move forward to further study and/or employment.”
Our emphasis is on addressing issues faced by the participants, including creating positive /safe relationships, housing, drug and alcohol dependence and life skills such as financial literacy. The project aims to improve the profile of young people in our community by supporting marginalised youth and creating opportunities to improve their social and communication skills.
The hands on nature of the training allows participants to gain confidence and demonstrable skills which translate to employment. The experience of working alongside industry professionals over a number of months gives young people the critical time to develop meaningful work and social relationships and build the necessary confidence to cross barriers to employment and further study. Our aim is to continually promote positive growth in young people and help them connect with the wider community.
More information
Louise Collins
- Community in the Kitchen, YWCA NSW - Northern Rivers Office
- 02 66 255 806
- kitchen@ywcansw.com.au
- www.ywcansw.com.au
Pathways to Prevention - Developmental and early intervention approaches to crime in Australia
- Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department
- www.crimeprevention.gov.au (or google the full address)