NSW Youth Week (April 11 – 21) celebrates Australian youth through a range of community events and activities.
The 2024 theme is ‘Express. Empower. Get loud! The Shack Youth Services at The Benevolent Society is embracing Youth Week this week by participating in community events across Sydney.
Image: The Shack team at The Benevolent Society
Erica Sciascia, Team Leader Child, Youth and Family Team Leader – South East Sydney, said: “The Shack team will be attending several community events hosted by Bayside Council, Randwick Council, Georges River Council and the City of Sydney Council.
“We’ll be hosting interactive stalls with games, information, and prizes. These activities empower young people, foster community engagement, and provide a fun and informative experience during Youth Week celebrations.”
Events that The Shack team will be involved in, and attending, include the South East Block Party, the Skateboarding & Arts Workshop at Maroubra Skatepark, and the Botany Pool Youth Event.
How The Shack is supporting young people
Since 2013, The Shack has been providing a range of recreational, educational and support services for young people ages 12-17 who reside in the local government areas of Randwick, Bayside, Georges River, Waverley, Woollahra and the City of Sydney.
The Shack supports young Australians who need assistance and guidance in various areas including general health, mental health, employment and education, as well as general advocacy.
“Proactive and comprehensive support systems like The Shack are crucial to supporting young Australians,” Erica added. “They are helping to expand mental health resources, providing accessible counselling services, offering mentorship programs, and creating safe spaces where young people can express themselves and seek guidance without fear of judgment.”
Promoting social connection
The Shack team, which recently welcomed three additional members, sees young Australians reach out for assistance as they navigate a range of issues. Over the last 12 months, mental health has continued to be a significant focus for many reaching out. The team have also seen an increase in young Australians needing assistance with the cost of living.
The Shack helps young Australians navigate issues like the cost of living by providing resources and guidance on managing finances, assistance on accessing affordable housing, and help navigating government assistance programs.
Promoting social connection also continues to be a major focus for The Shack, with the team organising community events and support groups across Sydney that help individuals build meaningful connections and feel more supported. Erica says social connections are essential for overall well-being, especially for young people who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness.
“Providing young Australians with more dedicated spaces and personalised case work support will be crucial to not only continuing to deliver this assistance, but also expanding it,” she said.
“Having a space of their own gives young people a sense of ownership, belonging, and safety. It’s in these settings that young Australians not only feel comfortable discussing the issues affecting them, but also seeking out support to address them.
"Alongside this, offering personalised case work support allows for individualised attention and assistance tailored to each young Australian’s circumstances. This approach enables deeper understanding of their challenges and facilitates the development of tailored solutions and interventions to address their specific needs effectively.”
Contact The Shack by emailing [email protected] or calling 1800 236 762. You can also follow them on Instagram @theshack_youthservices