KINGSTON Council has approved a new youth strategy which will shape its programs and services aimed at young people.
The new action plan outlines ways that council hopes to support residents aged between 12 and 25 in the next four years. The strategy reads that young people need to be “supported, acknowledged, connected,” and “prepared”.
According to the strategy, council will direct more resources towards youth mental health initiatives, create new pathways to access support, offer more programs to local sporting clubs, and use social media to promote positive stories of local young people.
The mayor Hadi Saab said “we want to make sure our young people feel supported and acknowledged as they move from being teenagers into adulthood. Young people have told us they want greater focus on issues including mental health, body image, positive self-esteem and confidence, and relationships.”
“I encourage all young people to check out the huge range on offer at Kingston Youth Services, including fun activities, job advice, support groups, life skills and professional support,” he said.
Kingston councillor David Eden became one of the youngest mayors in Victorian history when he was elected to the top job in 2016 aged 22. He says that it is important to continually engage with young people. “We are always very open to suggestions from our youth on how we can better address the emerging needs of our local community,” he said.
Read the strategy at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/2022-2026-kingston-youth-strategy
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 22 February 2023