Drop-In a safe haven for local youth
Drop-In a safe haven for local youth
For a group of local youth, the Drop-in at Waypoint’s HERO Centre is a safe place. Every two weeks, youth gather under the guidance of Peer Support Worker Jacki Nadon, Recreation Therapist Erin Strachan and Shaunna Brady, Coordinator for the Transitional Age Youth Service to plan events, discuss important issues, play games and eat!
If you guessed that snacks are big part of the program, you’d be right. But these youth say they get much more out of the program than food. ``There’s no other place to go,” says one. “Everybody’s friends with everyone,” says another. While a third participant notes “It’s a safe place where you can be yourself.”
The group started meeting in 2015 after a Waypoint’s transitional age youth working group recognized the lack of services for this age group. They spoke to some local youth and asked them what would be important and helpful to them, and a safe place to hang out was at the top of the list.
Each week is different and the participants have a say in everything that goes on. Including the upcoming event for Mental Health Week and National Youth Week celebrating youth culture and creativity. Called Youth Found Together!, it’s the group’s 2nd annual open house and will feature a variety show format with an open mic, art station and a games table… oh, and some food!
Everyone is welcome to come out to the HERO Centre on May 3rd from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to meet the youth, find out more about the youth drop-in and show their support. If you’d like more information, please email [email protected].