Henri Nouwen House receives extra support at start of National Youth Week

To kick off National Youth Week 2011 celebrations, Youth Minister Robyn McSweeney has announced a one-off $50,000 State Government grant to the Henri Nouwen House Youth Project in Bridgetown.

Established in 1992, the house offers support and education to families affected by alcohol or drug dependency with the overall aim of empowering youth to make positive life choices.

"Organisations like Henri Nouwen House play such an important role in assisting young people and families whose lives have been affected by drug and alcohol use," Mrs McSweeney said.

"I am pleased the Government is making this one-off funding grant of $50,000 to the youth project, which will be implemented by early May to coincide with the start of the second term of the school year."

The new project will offer services and information sessions targeting children as young as four through to adults of 25.

The focus of the new youth project will be to assist children and youth living with chemically dependent family members or who are experiencing other family dysfunction.  The service will also be extended to the parents of these young people.

"Sessions by qualified counsellors will be held weekly after school times during second term.  They will be educative and most importantly therapeutic in their delivery," the Minister said.

Mrs McSweeney said the funding would also be used to complement existing youth programs already on offer at Henri Nouwen House.

Funding of up to $1,000 has also been distributed to organisations across the State to host National Youth Week events that brings young people together. For more information on these activities visit: http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/grantsandfunding/Grants/Documents/2011%20NYW%20Grants.pdf

National Youth Week is this year being celebrated from April 1-10.