Point Zero Youth Services runs Drug and Alcohol Youth Outreach Services for young people (aged 12-18) in the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and Lower North Shore of Sydney on Saturday evenings. These projects were developed in response to growing community concerns over the anti-social behaviour of young people in the local areas, particularly underage binge drinking.
Point Zero recruits volunteers from the local community, who together with our professional youth workers, provide young people with assistance, support, and referrals to appropriate adolescent services.
The project has been operating since 1998 and in this time has assisted 15, 000 young people.
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| The vans have highlighted the drug and alcohol use of young people in the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and Lower North Shore, as well as patterns of movement of young people between parks, ovals and beaches. It has been evident that young people do not frequent the same particular area for an extended period of time. It is therefore essential that the vans change location along with the young people, in order to continue the same essential service. All staff ensures that constant assessments are carried out to determine the destination of the vans, as well as monitor the drug and alcohol use among young people.
The aim of the Outreach service is:
- To reduce substance use and abuse in the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and Lower North Shore Areas.
- To monitor and reduce the level of anti-social behaviour occurring within these local communities by both its presence and the informal supervision of young people within the area.
- To provide a non-judgemental service that goes to the youth rather than waiting for the youth to come to them.
DAY OUTREACH
Through the growing needs of young people, Point Zero staff felt it was essential to provide outreach services to young people after school hours. This service provides young people with another avenue to seek assistance, support, information and referrals.
VOLUNTEERS
The Organisation currently has the support and dedication of 60 volunteers currently working on both vans. The volunteer's commitment and enthusiasm has ensured that we have enough volunteers to meet our current needs.
Point Zero runs annual volunteer training sessions for new volunteers as well as professional development training. These compulsory workshops educate volunteers about various issues relating to young people.
If you would like to volunteer please fill in our enquiry_form on our contact page and our staff will contact you as soon as possible. |
