Young people across Southern NSW will be given a boost in education and employment opportunities, as local police and staff from PCYC begin their Term 3 police programs. Across the third school term, police and PCYC staff will deliver a suite of specialised programs in Wollongong, Narooma, Goulburn and the Southern Highlands.
The range of programs aim to get young people job ready, break the domestic violence cycle, prevent and reduce re-offending, bring disengaged youth back into the education system and improve the overall wellbeing of at-risk youth.
Youth and Crime Prevention Commander, Superintendent Mark Wall said the programs ultimately aim to provide support and opportunities for young people to succeed.
“The partnership between police and PCYC is instrumental in building positive relationships and breaking down any barriers that may exist between police and young people,” Superintendent Wall said.
“We have had some great success stories coming out of these programs so far, and we are looking forward to working closely with these young people throughout term three.
“Community is at the heart of policing, and our officers will continue to be out there every day working as both role models and mentors for young people.”
Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM said the programs that will be run across the Southern Region aim to connect young people facing challenges at home, school or in the community.
“By incorporating job ready programs, mentoring and vocational training in our programs, we believe we can make a genuine difference in the lives of young people,” Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
“It’s important that these young people have positive experiences with police, and giving them access to our officers through fun and friendly programs is a great step forward.”
The programs form part of the NSW Police Commissioner’s RISEUP Strategy, a collaborative approach which involves PCYC NSW, NSW Police and industry leaders working together to achieve positive outcomes for young people.
Fit Together in Far South Coast (Narooma) is a co-designed program developed with the local community to prevent and reduce re-offending, as well as encourage positive relationships between local Police and the Aboriginal community. Fit Together aims to instil confidence, increase self-esteem and help Aboriginal youth reach their full potential, and targets youth aged 10-17 years.
Far South Coast will also run the PCYC Job Ready Course, an intensive four-day program designed to get young people aged 15-17 job ready. Participants learn how to create an effective resume, seek work and successfully navigate a job interview. By the end of the program participants also gain accredited First Aid and White Card certificates.
Fit For Life is currently offered at every PCYC club across NSW. The early intervention program is designed to engage youth aged 10-17 who are at risk of poor choices and anti-social behaviour. Through physical fitness, nutrition and social engagement, Fit For Life aims to improve overall wellbeing as well as prevent and divert youth from offending behaviours.
About PCYC NSW
With 64 Clubs throughout the state and over 116,000 members, Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC NSW) is Australia’s pre-eminent youth organisation working with Police and community to empower young people to reach their potential.
For more visit www.pcycnsw.org.au
For more information about police programs visit https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/programs/police-programs/
