BATHURST’S PCYC is launching a new program targeting kids at risk of getting into trouble because they are bored or out doing nothing.
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PCYC general manager David Hitchick is working on establishing a new youth group to meet each Friday night – and the idea has already won the support of Bathurst police.
“Half the time kids who get into trouble do so because they are bored with nowhere to go and nothing to do,” Chifley local area command crime prevention office Senior Constable Sue Rose said.
“That’s when they start doing things like underage drinking.
“This will give them something to engage in, give them some meaningful activity to be part of.”
Mr Hitchick said the PCYC’s mandate was to connect with young people, and give them a safe place to hang out.
Once the new youth group is up and running, he hopes to provide the kids with free food and drink, so no one is excluded from the program.
“We are in the process of talking to The Good Guys, so we’re hoping to have a few Xboxes linked up, and I’m looking into buying a pool table,” he said.
“We will be using the space in the mezzanine level so there is some space for the kids just to hang out.
“During the group we will also be running programs and talking to the kids about wise choices and understanding the consequences of their actions.
“There are risks out there; we just want to help kids make good choices.”
As a youth worker with more than 20 years of experience, Mr Hitchick said underage drinking and drug-taking are some of the biggest problems facing young teens.
He said kids who fall into underage drinking or drug-taking often do it because there is nothing else to do.
He said the club has recently introduced laser tag on Friday afternoons and he hopes the idea of team sport and involvement will encourage young teenagers to be part of the youth club.
“They can hang around, have dinner. I want the PCYC to be the youth hub of Bathurst,” he said.
“It’s a safe, supportive environment where kids can ask questions.”
Mr Hitchick said the PCYC would also be aiming to strengthen its ties with other youth networks, including the national youth mental health foundation headspace and Veritas House, which provides accommodation and support services to children, young people and their families.
He said the new youth group would start on a Friday ahead of an official launch on October 16.
Mr Hitchick said the group is open to all teenagers and Year 6 students.
