Youth ConnectConnecting young

people to mainstream communities

Jessica KainYouth Connect Program Coordinator

1986 – RAP Pilot project was funded1989 – Incorporated as Recreation Network1990s – Sport development, PSO and ATE2005 – Began offering training on inclusion2010 – Became Inclusion WA2011 – Youth Connect pilot was funded2012 – ActiveSmart and research funded

About Inclusion WA

www.inclusionwa.org.au

Individualised Service

Short term support (3 – 12months)

Take the time to get to know them with no pressure to reach certain targets

Work with the community group and the young person equally

What is Youth Connect?

Help young people connect to existing mainstream community groups

Work yourself out of a job - involve them in the whole process

Provide advice and referrals to specialist agencies and more appropriate support

What is Youth Connect?

Young people who are eligible for the program are referred to us by;• Disability Services Commission staff• ESC Teachers and Principles• Depts of Justice & Corrective Services• Parents• Other disability service organisations

What are the entry points?

What sort of things are we helping young

people connect to?

Think OUTSIDE the box!

Dr Who Fan Club

Tennis ClubArt Classes

Glee ClubVolunteering

Medieval Club

Trampolining

Quad Biking

Cricket

Swimming Lessons

Laser Tag League

Teen Fitness Classes

Dance

KnittingSkating Lessons Cadets

Film Making Classes

How do we find out what young people want and what they are interested in?

iPad Apps

Power of ten

YouTube

Community Asset Mapping

Flash Cards

Ask friends and family

Questions

Where and how do we find out about things?

Community Centres

Libraries

Rec Centres

Youth Centres

Local & State Government

Peak Sporting & Rec Organisations

Shopping Centre Pin-Up Boards

Community Newspapers

Schools and Universities

Churches

Consider Volunteering

Youth-led Organisations

So we have found a group or club...

What next?

Ask the right questions

Be honest and upfront

Be firm, not pushy

Consider pathways

Consider different roles

http://www.simonbevan.co.uk/2011/11/09/graffiti-philosophy/

Youth Connect Philosophy

We believe that inclusion in social and recreational

activities improves a young person’s wellbeing

and self-confidence.

Youth Connect Philosophy

We will use these activities as a vehicle to help young people build meaningful

social connections, develop social and self-advocacy skills, address personal goals and experience a

sense of belonging.

Youth Connect Philosophy

We will take the time to develop an understanding of

who each person is and where they’re at in life. We will then

address the barriers preventing a young person’s connection and collaborate with other

people as necessary.

Youth Connect Philosophy

We will lead by example, and be the role model for the young people we are

working with as well as the general community.

Youth Connect Philosophy

We will encourage young people to push their own boundaries in terms of

discovering who they are, what they are capable of and what they can achieve

versus their expectation of themselves or society’s expectation of them.

Youth Connect Philosophy

We will do this by giving young people the chance to have new experiences, the

opportunity to take risks and the freedom to make mistakes

and learn from them.

Youth Connect Philosophy

In doing all of this, and by working with young people and their

community equally, we hope to achieve improved long-term

outcomes for all.

Youth Connect Philosophy

We also hope to help break a cycle of

people with disabilities being

excluded and dependent on

services and others.

The Challenges

Trayen, 16

Speculative Fiction

Dr Who

Writing

Web Comics

Video Games

Maddy, 16

Helping peopleSports

Animals

Gio, 18

Electronics

Technology

Speakers

Fans

Stereos

Jess, 18

Bowling

KnittingHelping

the elderly and

children

The Challenges

Easing the transition from schoolOpportunity to contribute

Increased confidence and self-esteem

Being in mainstream settings for once

Increased skills in independence

Making friends Sense of belonging

Access to relevant role models

Developing talents & skills

The Challenges

The Challenges

Managing the waitlist

Negative community attitudes

Creating meaningful experiences

Dealing with parents

Funding

Sustainability

Finding age appropriate groups

Youth Connect