youth that aged 12-25 years.

YIRS – One Stop Youth Shop Inc provides a safe space for young people to drop in.

The people at YIRS are available to any young person that is requiring information or help.

At YIRS there are a variety of free programs that are scheduled periodically and available throughout the year, including gender-specific programs, holiday programs, art groups, school-based programs, motivational speaking, and much more.

YIRS has long-standing relationships with other including government departments, legal services, Centrelink, schools, doctors, and more.

You may find that through your engagement at YIRS, you are linked with relevant support services. A referral can often be made by case management professionals (for instance school attendance officers, school-based youth health nurses, Centrelink officers, court support, family support officers, youth justice, and school support staff).

YIRS also has a referral directory for youth, as well as a wide variety of other information brochures available at the centre and the youth worker can assist young people with information they may need on the current programs, events, services, and community news.

And other organisations involved in collaboration are Headspace and Youth Justice.

Another youth service provider is Mackay Youth Support Services which provides a wide variety of outreach programs available to youth in the area.

MYSS services can be provided for the NDY “Not Done Yet” program and is a combination of school-based, centre-based, community-based and in-home services.

The Youth & Change Program has been developed to provide intensive life skill training with therapeutic support aimed at reducing or preventing high-risk behaviours.

As part of the program, young people are referred by individuals and organisations.

MYSS aims to engage youth who are at conflict but do not attend school or education facilities.

This program aims to reduce anti-social conflict that is not dealt with through the legal system.

The NDY program assists in supporting school and school disengagement, criminal activity, family dysfunction, substance use, and other behaviours.

NDY is run from a trauma-informed and client-centred approach.

NDY is inclusive and provides young people with a safe environment to explore the root cause of the issues and to work toward recovery and healing.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, help is available. There are a variety of services available and so many different programs to assist in unique situations.

If you would like more information on services available, feel free to reach out to YIRS or MYSS or check online.

You can also reach out to your school guidance officer, teachers, community support officers or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Don’t Give Up

Just keep on going and do not look back

And don’t forget the future’s always brighter than it was

There’s light ahead but full of mystery

Just keep on going and you will finally get through the maze

There’s light ahead but full of mystery

Just keep on going and you will make it to the climb

There’s light ahead, just take the steps

The feelings are exhausting, and the many emotions are there

As you push on do not give up the fight

A Piece of Art

The crimson is warm, and the riper is near

At the midst of it all again

As it flows from the surface, and the head shakes in fear

The emotion is real and full of pain

You hold it back as the memory shows its face

And the moment is felt in full agony

The crimson is warm and the riper is near

As it slowly fades and disappears

You fall to the ground and the numb feeling is a flood

The feelings are exhausting, and the many emotions are there

As you fight to push on and not give in

To any thoughts or giving in too easy.

Kelly Amanda Lee