Services to boost youth connection

YOUNG people in Knox are set to benefit from funds aimed at helping them connect with the wider community.
Knox City Council announced recently that the School Focused Youth Service (SFYS) would provide funds of $36,295 for six local projects over the coming 12 months.
Supported by the council, SFYS is an ongoing project funded by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Education and Training (DET) in partnership with the Catholic Education Office and Association of Independent Schools of Victoria.
Taylor Ward councillor Tony Kamitsis, who chairs the Knox Youth Issues Advisory Committee, said the service coordinated prevention and early intervention strategies for young people, particularly those at risk between 10 and 18 years of age.
“This is done through building strong school and community partnerships,” Cr Kamitsis said.
Funded projects include leadership and communication programs, an educational initiative based on independent living and a program that uses music and song writing as a means of exploring emotions.
Another project will aim to develop conflict resolution skills in adolescent girls, challenging negative patterns of thinking in the process.