Youth Insearch is Supporting Isolated Young People | Page 2 | Youth Insearch

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Wed, 08/04/2020 - 09:00

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Announcements, Virtual World

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Youth Insearch has suspended all weekend workshops and in-person support groups until future notice.

Youth Insearch has successfully transitioned to a virtual peer-to-peer platform to provide support and guidance to young people, while adhering to social distancing rules for the protection of participants, employees, volunteers and the wider community. To find our more or get involved, call us on 1800 805 635 or contact us online. 

Youth Insearch employees have switched to a case coordination model, which involves connecting with every young person in the system and connecting with each young person inpidually to ease them into the new virtual support group system.

Youth Insearch program coordinators have received comprehensive training to assist each participant with IT support, create a safe online network, and help participants engage with each other virtually. So far, 249 young people currently involved within the Youth Insearch program have been called and encouraged to join virtual support groups as at 7 April 2020.

Virtual support groups will continue on a weekly basis, conducted by our program coordinators and supported or facilitated by youth leaders and support adults. The peer-to-peer element of the program remains, which is critical during these unprecedented times. Virtual support groups have been running successfully for the past two weeks, and young people have been encouraged to start different activities such as exploring their creativity with arts and crafts or starting a new fitness regime. These types of activities can help young people connect with their peers while having fun and learning something new.

Youth Insearch is working hard to adapt to the rapidly evolving situation with pleasing results. With so many young people now connected through the virtual support groups, Youth Insearch is developing new virtual intake and referral processes to open our virtual peer support network to more isolated young people. Youth Insearch has put processes in place to ensure young people are offered personalised support and no one is left out.

On behalf of the Youth Insearch team, we wish everyone remains happy and healthy over the Easter holiday. Nevertheless, Youth Insearch understands that young people may be feeling vulnerable during this difficult time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Youth Insearch on 1800 805 635, contact us online, or reach out to your local program coordinator.

The current environment may be distressing for many. If you need assistance, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.