from YAPRap April 2007
by Jessie Huard, Australian Red Cross
A unique Red Cross program helping newly arrived young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds will be launched in May 2007.
The Australian Red Cross Newly Arrived Youth Program (NAYP) will help young people who have recently arrived in Australia to learn about and contribute to their new community as well as giving them an opportunity to meet other young people and have some fun along the way. The program is open to anyone aged 12-25 years who has recently arrived in Australia and lived here for five years or less.
Young people can often face many difficulties in resettling in Australia. They often have a limited knowledge of what support and social services are available to them. This program helps them to learn about and connect with these services now or in the future in a way that is relevant to their particular needs.
For example, we take young people on up to eight excursions to places like Centrelink and legal, education and health centres so they can learn where services are and what they do. We use public transport to get there, so young people also build the skills and knowledge of how the public transport system works and have the confidence to use it again. It's much less intimidating than trying to figure it out yourself.
NAYP also works to build strong social networks for newly arrived young people by encouraging them to take part in youth days and youth forums.
At the end of each series of excursions, youth days will be held to acknowledge the efforts of the young people participating in the program and celebrate their achievements. They also have the opportunity to have their voice heard through youth forums, the first of which will be held in June. The forums aim to raise awareness of different cultures and the needs of young people from different communities with the broader community using guest speakers, workshops and other fun activities.
NAYP clients are also encouraged to engage in and contribute to their community through volunteering.
Volunteering can often be the first step to meaningful employment. It also provides the opportunity to meet other people and develop new skills.
NAYP works in partnership with The Newly Arrived Youth Support Service (NAYSS), which is run by Mission Australia at Cabramatta. This service provides one-on-one support through case management and referral by professional caseworkers.
NAYP will initially be focussed on the Fairfield – Liverpool area of Sydney.
More information
Jessie Huard
Newly Arrived Youth Program Coordinator
Australian Red Cross
02 9229 4208 or 0417 691 167
