Youth Services in Western Sydney

Our youth case workers empower young people who are new to the country (less than 5 years in Australia) by helping them to access services independently and find information that will enhance their own lives. We also provide referrals, advocacy and individual and group consultation as well as information sessions on youth-related topics.

Our two homework centres at Blacktown and Mt Druitt provide support to high school and tertiary students from a range of cultural backgrounds. Tutors from the local community provide academic support in a range of subject areas.

SydWest is now contracted to deliver YESS (Youth Enhanced Support Service) in Western Sydney for the CALD community.

YESS is provided to young people, and to their families, as a youth-friendly, accessible, consistent, and seamless service.

YESS Western Sydney can assist young people from culturally and linguistically backgrounds aged 12 – 25 years old and residing in in Blacktown, Cumberland, Parramatta and the Hills Shire Local Government Areas to access mental health support. The service includes early identification, and effective, evidence-based interventions, delivered by primary care and specialist providers working together within a collaborative, accessible, and integrated service framework.

YESS is also available in Northern Sydney and in Nepean Blue Mountains through Parramatta Mission.

The project supports disengaged young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to prepare for employment and to establish themselves in the labour market by improving their connection and access to employment services and programs. The project includes:

• Education and employment pathway workshops (apprenticeships and traineeship programs)
• Referrals to relevant agencies
• Advocating
• Information sessions on the Australian education system and
• Employment training with TAFE NSW Western Sydney (resume writing, job search skills, job interview skills, employment related computer skills and career planning.

We partner with training organisations, Western Sydney University, TAFE NSW and local high schools with high CALD student populations to develop resilience-building and life skills programs. These programs aim to enhance the ability of refugee students to cope with the Australian education system and to deal with difficult situations in a positive way.

SydWest also works with TAFE NSW to deliver short-course qualifications to support employment pathways for youth clients in the target group.

The Youth On Track is an early intervention program funded through NSW Department of Communities and Justice  that delivers specific support services to 10-17 year old young people who at risk of long-term involvement in the criminal justice system. The program supports young people (an their families) through case management and evidence informed interventions to address their needs.

Links to Learning

SydWest delivers the NSW Department of Education’s Links to Learning program in collaboration with local high schools such as Evans High School IEC to support young people reach their full potential.

Young people from different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to be involved in our Football (soccer) program at our weekly sessions at Kevin Betts Stadium in Mt Druitt.

Our Football Youth regularly participate in high-profile competitions such as the M-Series competition; professional training clinics with the Western Sydney Wanderers held quarterly; we assist our young people to register and play with their local football clubs.

SydWest’s Youth Football program also participates in the M-series project, a CALD competition.

Excursions, leadership camps and swimming programs are just some of the things our youth groups enjoy during the school holidays. School holiday activities are designed to meet the social needs of young people from different cultural backgrounds.

Youth conferences, festivals and barbeques are some of the special youth events we hold each year to engage, educate and inspire young people and to promote community engagement and social cohesion. Youth volunteering in high-profile events such as National Youth Week or Refugee Week are some of the ways that our youth can gain local experience and connections.