SALT Central Coast Issue 1, April 2014 | Page 24

#WhatsUp @Youth people and provide more recreational activity in the Mountains area. The day starts off with an obstacle styled course filled with a series of mental and physical challenges. This is followed by a BBQ (Provided by Gosford North Rotary Young People Today.... Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) has worked Club) and leads into the night with a Live DJ Dance Party. directly with young people for over 20 years. Young people The event also provides youth mentoring as young people today can experience a range of issues and concerns. These are invited to be involved in the planning and running of primarily surround youth issues of youth homelessness, the event. The aim is that they may be inspired to do future mental health, domestic violence, youth disengagement local events themselves. For more details, visit www.ryss. from education or training, family relationship breakdowns com.au. and youth marginalisation. RYSS is a practical support service providing information, Often, Young People can be categorised and marginalised advice and referral for Young People 12 to 25 years of age. from the association of being a Young person. This can Our goal is to provide young people opportunities to meet influence youth culture and the perception of young people. life’s challenges. Some of our services include: RYSS’ Youth Opportunities team is a group of trained Young • Skills development programs People who consult directly with Young People. Having Young People who collaborate and work with Young People • Casework support is an initiative that is highly effective for youth engagement. • Arts programs (Theatre, Visual Art, Music) RYSS’ Youth Opportunities team took out the 2013 Youth • Youth Projects (Youth events and programs) Action Award for NSW Best Youth Engagement project. In October 2013, the Youth Opportunities team conducted a consultation in the Mangrove Mountains area. By getting firsthand information from Young People, the consultation found that there were few opportunities provided in the Mountains area. The feedback from Young People indicated that they wanted an event that was active and engaging, that brought the community together and gave young people an opportunity. From this consultation, the RYSS Youth Opportunities team put forward the Mountains ‘Youth Impact Challenge’. • Wyoming Youth Centre • ‘Parkside’ Gosford Shopfront services – advice and referral Regional Youth Support Services Inc. Phone:    4323 2374 Fax:        4323 3796 Email:    [email protected] www.ryss.com.au www.youthartswarehouse.com.au www.ysite.com.au The Mountains ‘Youth Impact Challenge’ is a FREE Youth www.celebratesafely.com.au Week event for young people 12 to 18 years of age, held on the 12th April 2014 from 2pm. Held at the Mangrove Mountains Hall, the event is designed to engage young Youth Oppo rtunities Tea m YOLO ! 22