A program aimed at fostering the needs of at-risk youth in the community is making a difference as it tracks across North Brisbane, with North Lakes its next destination.
The Take it to the Streets program is an initiative delivered by MADE Concepts and funded by the Queensland Government, DTS and the Queensland Police. It is designed to engage and support at-risk youth by offering activities such as 3×3 basketball, soccer, Box Fit and pickleball. The program also provides opportunities for personal development and mentoring through sports and other high-level pathways.
“By taking these programs to the young people or to the communities where this engagement is needed or required, we’re able to engage the community in profound ways,” program lead and professional 3×3 basketball player Deola D’Brown said.
Youth Programs Unit Acting Inspector Lester Brooks said that youth programs like Take it to the Streets had the power to intervene at a crucial time in young people’s lives.
“It’s really clear to see that the struggles some young people face can impact how they participate in their community,” Mr Brooks said. “By equipping them with the skills, giving them activities, helping them make better choices, we’re always going to be able to get some better outcomes for them as they grow older.”
Building Confidence and Creating Opportunities
The free program teaches skills and discipline while engaging young people with mentoring that focuses on support and increasing their confidence, emotional regulation, community engagement and mental wellbeing. More than 130 young people aged 13 to 18-years-old have participated in the travelling program so far, with an average of 22 per session.
“We’ve seen the growth,” Mr D’Brown said. “For example, we’ve had some young folk unable to speak confidently when we started this program and now they’re on the mic emceeing the program, they’re calling out the names, calling out the scoreboards.”
Mr Brooks added that getting young people to participate in these sporting activities gave them a sense of achievement.
“It’s that motivational impact that then allows them to strive for bigger and better outcomes for themselves,” he said.
For those who participate, there is also a ‘Street Cred’ initiative on offer. If participants attend all eight sessions at a single location, they will be entered into a draw to design and win a custom pair of kicks.
North Lakes is the fourth of five destinations for the program, which also include Zillmere, Bracken Ridge, Boondall and Chermside.
Reserve your Take it to the Streets Program spots here.
Take it to the Streets
- Every Thursday, 13 March – 1 May, 3pm-7pm
- YMCA North Lakes Youth Centre (The Space North Lakes)
- Cnr Lakefield Drive and Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes.
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- In the North Lakes Loop: Updates from the Community
- Presenting A Touch of Suspense and Drama
- Get Involved in Threads of Connection
- Eco Eve: Living a More Environmentally Friendly Life!
- Little and Often Closes the Disadvantage Gap
- Rising Local Star Makes TV Debut in New Series
- Experience the Beauty of Lake Samsonvale
- The Perfect Day to Be Happy
- A Living Piece of History
- Dinner, a show and laughter aplenty
- Join the Fun at Capestone Lake Parkrun Birthday Celebrations
- Shining a Light on Local Women
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