Youth Support + Advocacy Service

Wear it Purple

Wear It Purple Day is THIS Friday!! 💜🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️✨

Young people aged 12 - 25 are invited to come to our morning tea at YSAS Abbotsford - just drop in, all are welcome 💕

When? 11AM -1PM
Where? 394 Johnston Street Abbotsford

There’ll be cupcakes, badge making and we’ll be running a trivia session.

Wearing purple is about demonstrating to rainbow young people that they are celebrated and respected, and acknowledging all have the right to be proud of who they are and who they are becoming. 💜💜💜

Artwork by Nicky Tsekouras for Wear It Purple Day.

Youth Partnership Month is coming up in September - and with it Ideas Days will be happening across YSAS sites 🎉 

We’re looking for young people connected with YSAS to share their ideas and feedback. 

Here’s what Ideas Days are all about: 

💡💪It is an opportunity for young people 16-25yo who are connected to YSAS to tell us their ideas and feedback to improve services and influence change.
🤝Join up to 10 young people at your site
🌭Free food
💸$40 dollar recognition payment for young people.
📋The Youth Participation team collates feedback and will create an Ideas Day report.
This report creates actions that YSAS is accountable for.

It is endorsed by the Board, The CREW and The Youth Participation Team.  📌

Ask your worker when your site is hosting it’s Ideas Day and sign up by emailing the [email protected]

Youth Partnership Month is coming up in September - and with it Ideas Days will be happening across YSAS sites 🎉 

We’re looking for young people connected with YSAS to share their ideas and feedback. 

Here’s what Ideas Days are all about: 

💡💪It is an opportunity for young people 16-25yo who are connected to YSAS to tell us their ideas and feedback to improve services and influence change.
🤝Join up to 10 young people at your site
🌭Free food
💸$40 dollar recognition payment for young people.
📋The Youth Participation team collates feedback and will create an Ideas Day report.
This report creates actions that YSAS is accountable for.

It is endorsed by the Board, The CREW and The Youth Participation Team.  📌

Ask your worker when your site is hosting it’s Ideas Day and sign up by emailing the [email protected]

Children belong with their families and communities, not behind bars.

Yesterday, the Victorian Government abandoned its commitment to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years by 2027.

YSAS has firsthand knowledge of how being locked away disrupts children’s development and has a devastating impact on their future.

Evidence shows that the younger a child is imprisoned, the higher their risk of becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system later in life.

We know that the children that come into contact with the justice system have often been exposed to extreme adversity, involving violence and trauma.

The answer to youth crime is a justice system that responds to this adversity, not locking children in jail.

Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/g9fuFdq9

Victoria is one step closer to keeping children out of prison.

Last week the Youth Justice Bill passed in the lower house - next up the Bill will be debated in the upper house.

We're backing the bill and calling for the government to make it better by:
- Raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14
- Removing new police powers for 10 and 11 year olds
- Not locking up children in adult prisons
- Scrapping electronic monitoring

Help us get raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 enshrined in the bill - https://changetherecord.good.do/raisetheage/vic/

Join the free running/walking festival this Sunday in Wyndham Vale to celebrate NAIDOC week 🎽👟

There will be a range of activities to enjoy throughout the day:
👉cultural activities with a welcome to country and smoking ceremony
👉free catered lunch
👉free running singlets and medals
👉free kids activities and more.

The event is open for all to celebrate NAIDOC week
📅Sunday 21st July 2024
⏰10:00 am
📍Presidents Park, 370 McGrath Road, Wyndham Vale VIC 3024
Booking is essential, so please scan the QR code or click here https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1226006?
✨

The Zone's Intersectional AOD Practice Symposium is TWO weeks away!

Want to explore contemporary evidence on 'intersectional practice'?

How about learn learn effective tools to better address the needs of marginalised populations and reduce harm related to alcohol and other drugs?

Then The Symposium is for YOU 🎉

Hear from our panel of compelling speakers, including an opening from Labor MP Ged Kearney, and participate in interactive activities.

WHAT IS THE ZONE?
is an ‘Alcohol and Other Drug’ (AOD) treatment program for young people and families that is delivered as a joint initiative by YSAS, Odyssey House Victoria and Drummond Street Services .

The Zone offers young people from LGBTIQ+, African and Pasifika communities inclusive, culturally safe, specialist AOD youth services that embrace and respond to diversity.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Practitioners working with young people and adults who would like to enhance their practice with inclusive and intersectional AOD approaches.

Book your FREE ticket - https://thezone.org.au/symposium/

Join us at The Zone's Intersectional AOD Practice Symposium on the 17th of July!

Explore contemporary evidence on 'intersectional practice' and learn effective tools to better address the needs of marginalised populations and reduce harm related to alcohol and other drugs (AOD).

Hear from our panel of compelling speakers, including Dr. Todd Fernando, and participate in interactive activities.

WHAT IS THE ZONE?
The Zone is an ‘Alcohol and Other Drug’ (AOD) treatment program for young people and families that is delivered as a joint initiative by YSAS, Odyssey House Victoria and Drummond Street Services.

The Zone offers young people from LGBTIQ+, African and Pacifika communities inclusive, culturally safe, specialist AOD youth services that embrace and respond to diversity.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Practitioners working with young people and adults who would like to enhance their practice with inclusive and intersectional AOD approaches.

Book your FREE ticket - https://thezone.org.au/symposium/

Join us at The Zone's Intersectional AOD Practice Symposium NEXT month!

Explore contemporary evidence on 'intersectional practice' and learn effective tools to better address the needs of marginalised populations and reduce harm related to alcohol and other drugs (AOD).

Hear from our panel of compelling speakers and participate in interactive activities.

WHAT IS THE ZONE?
The Zone is an ‘Alcohol and Other Drug’ (AOD) treatment program for young people and families that is delivered as a joint initiative by YSAS, Odyssey House Victoria and Drummond Street Services Inc.

The Zone offers young people from LGBTIQ+, African and Pasifika communities inclusive, culturally safe, specialist AOD youth services that embrace and respond to diversity.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Practitioners working with young people and adults who would like to
enhance their practice with inclusive and intersectional AOD
approaches.

Book tickets - https://lnkd.in/gvnEAeU6

Trying anew pill or powder?? Here’s a list of things you can do to stay safe.

Worried about your drug or alcohol use? Call our Youth Drugs and Alcohol Advice line 📲 1800 458 658 to speak to a drug and alcohol youth worker and get connected to help.

YSAS Dandenong is set to lose two frontline workers in the Youth Support Service funding cuts.

"We’re talking about 80-plus young people and families impacted in our region alone.....young people who will ultimately be losing out on crucial support"

⬇️
https://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/news/2024-05-31/youth-crime-taskforce-cut/

Sorry Day is a time to remember and to honour the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors.

We acknowledge that the inhumane and unjustifiable actions that occurred have caused devastating trauma that current and future generations face.

We accept the truth of our history and know we must listen, acknowledge, and know the stories of Stolen Generations survivors, their families and their communities.

As an alcohol, drug and youth support service we acknowledge the responsibility we have to help address the health inequities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous young people.

Artwork created by a First Nations young person for YSAS.

See what Youth Support Service worker Tracy had to say about the State Government’s decision to not fully refund the YSS Crime Prevention program in the recent Victorian Budget.

"We try and work with as many young people as we can, but there is definitely a strong need for more youth and family workers in the area of crime prevention".

Her work often involves engaging young people back into school, finding them services such as counselling and alcohol and drug support, and getting them into recreational activities like sport.

"A lot of it has been low-income families, single parent families struggling … there could also be some situations where there's family violence".

"For some young people, it's about finding a sense of belonging."

Read the full ABC article - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-24/youth-support-advocacy-service-funding-victorian-budget/103886010

Credit: ABC News

We are calling on the Victorian Government to fully restore funding for 11 Youth Support Service positions.

YSS workers support young people aged 10 to 18 who have been the subject of police interventions, helping them to change direction and engage more positively with their families and communities.

Up to 330 young people will be denied access to this effective program.

YSAS is calling on the State Government to urgently reconsider the decision, which will result in the program losing $1.85 million in funding and almost one-third of its workforce.

“With youth crime the highest it has been in a decade, now is not the time to be reducing programs that have been proven to reduce youth crime in Melbourne" said Andrew Bruun.

READ OUR FULL STATEMENT - https://ysas.org.au/news/state-government-fails-to-renew-funding-to-key-youth-crime-prevention-program/

Come along to our day program in Abbotsford and learn to DJ!

These lessons are open to all young people aged 12-25 who use alcohol and other drugs. So pop on in, see what the Day Program is all about and mix some sick beats. PLUS there will be free food.

Lessons run  Wednesday 4pm-6pm and Thursday 3pm - 5pm at 394 Johnston Street in Abbotsford.

Can’t wait to see you there!💿

The continuing national family violence crisis in Australia has resulted in devastating impacts such as the loss of life and safety of adults, children, and young people victim-survivors.

Family violence is a gendered issue that disproportionately impacts women and children, including young women. YSAS recognises that young people are a distinct social cohort who require age and developmentally-sensitive responses to family and intimate partner violence.

Read our full statement herehttps://ysas.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/YSAS-Response-to-National-Family-Violence-Crisis.pdf

A new research project drug checking trial started in NSW yesterday and will operate for 4 months out of the city’s exisiting Medically Supervised Injecting Room.

We think it’s time for both fixed-site and mobile drug checking in Vic.What do you think?

Do you think Victoria needs drug checking?

Free BBQ on next WEEK! Get down to Harmsworth Reserve in Collingwood NEXT Friday to join our free BBQ 🌭🥳

The BBQ is open to the public - people under 25 and YSAS workers are encouraged to join

✨ Halal and vegetarian options available ✨

See you there!

1 in 3 young people used drugs in 2022-2023 ➡️ young people are going to take drugs. Effective harm reduction acknowledges this is never going to change and focuses on reducing harms associated with drug use instead.

Read the full report 👉 link in bio.

Do these findings surprise you?

133 days have passed since Youth Peer Advocate Daniel joined 77 community & health orgs on the steps of Victorian Parliament urgently calling for pill testing.

Daniel shares why it's critically important not to delay a drug checking pilot any longer. https://ysas.org.au/news/pilltestingplea/

Youth Drop in Centre is back in action THIS THURSDAY 🥳Thursday 7th March 3pm-5pm.

The Zone will be on site supporting come say hi!👋

Plus there tonnes of free activities and food
👉Free BBQ
👉Free haircuts
👉Live DJ
👉Table tennis

📍Errington Reserve, St ALbans

We’re YSAS. We’re Australia’s largest drug and alcohol support service for young people aged 12 - 25 years. And we're on TikTok.

Find out more about the work we do, our support and services and how to work with us at our website 👉 ysas.org.au 💚

https://www.tiktok.com//video/7340102362402524417

TikTok · YSAS Check out YSAS's video.

🚨Vic Gov has released a new alert for drugs being sold as 2C-B in Vic 👉 drug alerts are helpful, but they aren’t enough. We need pill testing at events and in the community.

Find out more:
➡️Vic Gov Drug Alerts - link in bio
➡️ ADF's Drug Facts - link in bio

Taking or mixing drugs?
Check the TripSit drug combination chart 👉 link in bio

Text the Effects at📱0439 835 563 to get quick, easy and confidential drug advice.

If you’re worried about your drug or alcohol use and want to talk to someone contact us on 9415 8881 or the Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Advice Service at 📞 1800 458 685 or 💌[email protected]

Happy V day to all who celebrate 💌💌💌

Happy faces at last nights opening of the CREW’s PAINT IT FORWARD exhibition 💕

All funds raised go towards developing the creative programs at our Abbotsford Day Program

Couldn’t make it? Don’t stress the exhibition is running for a week 👉check the link in our bio for opening times

📍394 Johnston Street Abbotsford

YSAS Fest, you were awesome! 😎
🎉 Celebrating 25 years of service
🤝 10 years of youth participation
👟 200 staff and young people
🎤 Lived and living experience panel
✂️ Interactive .queer collage workshop

The CREW's Gallery Exhibition PAINT IT FORWARD opens next Thursday!

Get on down to our Abbotsford Day Program site at 394 Johnston Street for a celebration of music, art, and young people's creativity. You can even win a raffle to win art pieces from the likes of Mick Porters.

All funds raised will go towards the Abbotsford's day program's music and art initiatives. Find out more and register 👉https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-crew-gallery-fundraiser-paint-it-forward-tickets-763728451357?aff=oddtdtcreator

🎨🌟 Calling all young artists! 🎨
Join our Gallery Fundraiser for the Abbotsford Day Program.

Encouraging YSAS young artists to showcase and sell their art – they keep the $$$!
Art, photography, music – all talents welcome! 🙌
No to drug glorification, stigma, or discrimination.

🗓️ Deadline for Expressions of Interest extended to TOMORROW.

Submit expressions of interest via our link tree.

Questions? Email us at [email protected].

Raffles of famous artists’ work will support creative arts and DJ programs.

🚀 Nov 30th: Gallery opening night
🎉 Dec 7th: Gallery closing night
Let’s create art that matters! 🌟 🖼️🎶https://www.instagram.com/p/CzdCA36PGTx/

🎨🌟 Calling all young artists! 🎨  Join our Gallery Fundraiser for the Abbotsford Day Program. Encouraging YSAS young artists to showcase and sell their art – they keep the $$$!   Art, photography, music – all talents welcome! 🙌  No to drug glorification, stigma, or discrimination.   🗓️ Deadline for Expressions of Interest extended to Nov 14th.   Submit expressions of interest via our link tree.  Questions? Email us at [email protected].   Raffles of famous artists’ work will support creative arts and DJ programs.   🚀 Nov 30th: Gallery opening night  🎉 Dec 7th: Gallery closing night   Let’s create art that matters! 🌟 #PaintItForward #ArtForChange 🖼️🎶