THE Bridge Youth Service has received funding from the State Government to support young people across the Mitchell Shire, with a Future Ready funded program starting in Wallan next term.
Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman announced the funding for the Future Ready 2025/26 program in March, with grants of up to $56,000 to public secondary schools and up to $168,000 for not-for-profit organisations that deliver programs in multiple schools.
“We’re investing in young Victorians because they are the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow,” she said.
The funding will help the dedicated youth service to deliver another engaging after school program for young people aged 12 to 17 in the Mitchell Shire.
It follows the successful U-Krew program held last year.
U-Krew2 is hoping to respond to the urgent need for inclusive, preventative programs addressing mental health, social isolation, and disengagement from education. Wallan’s youth population is expected to more than triple by 2039.
The initiative incorporates the ERIC model (Emotional Regulation and Impulse Control) and PACE principles (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy), ensuring young participants develop essential interpersonal and vocational skills.
Wallan Program manager Deborah Pepper was thrilled to be able to offer another round of the program to young people.
“This funding enables us to reach young people in Wallan and surrounding areas to help them take meaningful steps to unlock their potential and shape their futures,” she said.
“Some feedback from young people is that it [U-Krew] gives them an opportunity to be themselves and make friends in a safe and friendly environment with caring mentors and adults around them.”
U-Krew2 facilitator Shannen said the program is making an impact.
“In the 2023-24 financial year we had 67 referrals to the U-Krew program, with 15 from Seymour and 52 from Wallan. After June 2024, there were 30 referrals and that was with a hold (on referrals) for about four months because our funding was uncertain,” she said.
The Bridge Youth Service will develop the program with a focus on building upon existing career readiness and teamwork skills in collaboration with local mentors and community leaders, to learn more, contact Shannen on 0455 267 626.
