At the heart of Youth Solutions – a youth drug and alcohol prevention and health promotion charity – is the youth voice. A recent ClubGRANT from Ingleburn RSL Club for $9,950, will go towards strengthening that youth voice through the successful PEEP Peer Education Training Program.
Youth-to-youth
The Youth Solutions Youth Advisory Group is made up of volunteers, aged 16 to 25 years. These volunteers undergo comprehensive training so they can deliver important health promotion and education programs to other young people.
“Peer-to-peer learning is so pivotal if you want to make an impact, particularly in the health promotion space,” explains Amanda Dillon, Youth Solutions Manager Marketing & Engagement.
The feedback Youth Solutions receives from the participants is that they can relate better to the youth volunteers because they’re closer in age to them. They see the information as more relevant because they share that connection.
The benefits of the program also extend to the volunteers.
“A lot of the volunteers are studying in health promotion fields,” adds Amanda. “But also many of them are looking for an opportunity to learn, boost their own skills and give back.”
Ongoing support
This recent ClubGRANT isn’t the first time Ingleburn RSL Club has supported Youth Solutions and their wonderful initiatives.
“Our support of Youth Solutions is something we can see tremendous value in for the young people in our community,” says Terry Goldsworthy, President of Ingleburn RSL Club. “The ClubGRANT for PEEP will have such a positive impact on the participants in the programs and the inspiring volunteers who give their time to the cause.”
The feeling is mutual, with the team at Youth Solutions extending their gratitude to Ingleburn RSL Club for their support.
“The funding helps us to support our youth volunteers so we can increase their ability to have a positive impact on their peers,” exclaims Amanda. “We can’t do this alone and want to thank Ingleburn RSL Club for the ongoing support.”
Looking ahead
The ClubGRANT from Ingleburn RSL CLub will be in a number of ways to boost the PEEP Peer Education Training Program. The volunteers will receive external training opportunities along with new uniforms so they feel comfortable when engaging with their peers. Youth Solutions is also developing a small incentive program to reward the volunteers when they go above and beyond to support the initiatives.
“Our youth volunteers and our team here are really excited about the year ahead with the support we’ve received from Ingleburn RSL Club,” says Amanda. “We’re able to provide our volunteers with meaningful opportunities to ensure that their experience is incredible for them personally. This in turn gives them a greater ability to have a positive impact on their peers as well.”
Learn more about Youth Solutions and the work they do in health promotion for young people.
