Space for youth to connect with others and feel safe

A newly renovated space at the Bunbury PCYC has been launched thanks to a joint venture between the South West Aboriginal Medical Service, Breakaway Aboriginal Corporation, Red Cross and Bunbury PCYC.

Following an initial grant from the City of Bunbury, SWAMS and its partners were able to engage with other community-minded businesses to create an inviting space for local youth to hang out with their peers, feel safe and connect with others.

SWAMS chief executive Lesley Nelson said providing a space for youth to connect is key for their social and emotional development.

“The environment in which young people spend their time has been found to decisively impact on a young person’s health and development,” she said. “We host a very active and engaged youth program at the Bunbury PCYC so we have been able to involve them directly in the planning of this space,

“With their help, we have been able to design an area that has a really positive energy, a space that encourages social development and active participation.”

The new space will be equipped with new flooring, reverse-cycle air-conditioning, pool table, air hockey table, games consoles, a TV and lounges. Breakaway Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Renee Pitt said Breakaway and its partners created a safe environment where the kid’s involvement has given them ownership of the space, care and responsibility.