Perth City Mission to run new service for young people in Laverton/Leonora

2/8/96

Perth City Mission will run a new service for young people in Laverton and Leonora.

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes announced today that the organisation was the successful applicant in the expression of interest process to run the service.

Mrs Edwardes said that once an agreement had been signed, Family and Children's Services would guarantee the service $39,500 a year until June, 1998.

The service would provide support to young people from Leonora and Laverton.

"Young people aged between 12 and 18 years, who may be at risk for a variety of reasons and who are isolated from their peers, will be helped," the Minister said.

"They may be at risk because of family problems, substance abuse or poor social skills.

"This service will play an important role in helping them develop life skills, self-esteem and social relationships, so they can deal with or prevent crises in their lives."

Mrs Edwardes said the service would provide personal development programs and offer physically and mentally challenging activities.

Young people would also be helped to access education, training or employment opportunities and be linked to existing community resources and services.

The Minister said she believed the new service marked the start of a good relationship with Family and Children's Services which would benefit the community.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777