A Chance
Needy young people in northern Hobart, Tasmania, are receiving support from a partnership of community groups. A partnership of Glenorchy City Council and nine other agencies is working to give a chance at a great future through a youth centre on Main Street, Moonah. The centre has been appropriately named Chance on Main.
Chance on Main aims to provide young people, particularly those at risk from destructive behaviour, with the opportunity to participate in positive activities and recreation.
The centre’s motto, “It’s your chance, make the choice,” highlights the need to empower young people in making positive choices for themselves. Recognising that there are a number of ways to help youth make good choices, the centre takes a holistic approach to issues, providing a range of services and programs for the young people.
Its gives practical training, such as woodwork, fashion, leatherwork and small-engine mechanics, with many of the projects driven by the interest and talent of the youth. Through these activities, participants learn new skills, how to take direction, and how to improve their teamwork.
Another service is helping youth become job ready. This includes connecting them with relevant services and giving guidance with career planning. It also provides information about health, financial issues and life skills.
Poor self-esteem plays a vital role in why people make poor choices. This is especially true for young people. Chance on Main addresses this issue in every part of its program. Building self-worth helps people feel better about themselves and more positive about their future, and thus they’re better able to make good decisions. “Chance on Main is all about influencing young people’s lives in a positive way,” says Mike Duvall-Stewart, the program’s coordinator. “We want to make a positive impact.”
Mike is a qualified youth worker, with counselling skills vital to the work. At-risk youth often need help in understanding the influences and behaviours that have led them to this point. Counselling provides that opportunity of learning.
Mike also works with other staff and volunteers to provide a range of opportunities for young people to interact with the centre. For example, the centre employs a professional musician to help get youth “off the streets and into the studio”—a music teaching program.
A Commonwealth Government project and a community crime prevention program, Chance on Main also has the support of local community groups including the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Mission Australia, Anglicare and Tasmanian Police.
Each group plays a role in supporting the centre and its programs. Especially important to the centre is the funding and support it receives from the two ADRA Op Shops in Tasmania (Hobart and Ulverstone). Chance on Main is one way ADRA is connecting with youth all around Australia to make a difference.
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