Jarrahdale, Western Australia: Jarrahdale Youth (JY) has quickly become a successful program in Jarrahdale for Youth, particularly from school years six to nine. The program focuses on providing a safe place to develop and improve their skills, education, health, wellness, social inclusion and mental wellness.
A pilot program started in 2020 after the downgrade of COVID 19 restrictions. The Jarrahdale Community Collective recognised a lack of activities and services available for Youth. Due to limited public transport, Youth don’t have access to activities, relying on parents to drive to alternate locations at least 20 minutes away. With funding awarded from Alcoa and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the program grew momentum and had a successful year in 2021, seeing between ten to twenty Youth each week.
Parents are hoping to see the program continue into 2022. “Jarrahdale Youth is an affordable and fun way for the local kids to go on different excursions.” Erin Cox, parent. The program offers monthly excursions and activities for Youth to engage and connect with. Outings consisted of a trip into Perth, attending the Perth Youth Leadership Conference, Rockingham beach, Scouts WA – Manjedal Activities Camp, and nature walks around Jarrahdale. When at their home base, Bruno Gianatti Hall, JY offered skill and leadership games, crafts and hobby projects, bugger group games like dodge ball, nerf wars and four square.
“I think Youth group us great because we get to interact with kids that don’t go to our school and make new friends. The youth leaders are extremely fun. Youth group is a place full of excitement and fun and is definitely one of the things I look forward to in the week.” Hana, Year 8
Jarrahdale Youth will restart on Friday, February 11, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Bruno Gianatti Hall. Youth in school years 6-12 in Jarrahdale and surrounding suburbs are welcome to join in. For more information, please contact the Jarrahdale Community Collective or follow our Facebook page @jarrahdaleyouth
JY relies on volunteer and paid positions to run the program and are currently seeking Youth Leaders to fill volunteer and paid roles. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with info@jarrahdalecc.org if you are interested in these roles.