START Program for Young Men
Program Outline:
The START Program aims to provide a safe and fun setting for young men to work on issues that are relevant to them in an environment where they are encouraged to realise and develop their positive attributes.
Aims:
· To create an environment that is positive, supportive, fun, and that promotes personal development.
· To encourage participants to develop problem solving skills.
· To assist participants to develop skills important to healthy relationships.
· To assist participants to develop skills to increase self esteem.
· To encourage participants to take greater self-responsibility.
· To assist participants to understand the role of emotions and learn different ways to manage their feelings.
· To enable participants to be more aware of their own worth and more accepting of the worth of others.
Methodology - each session may employ a variety of techniques and activities.
· Games
. Physical challenges
· General discussion and brainstorming
· Sharing experiences
· Role plays
· DVDs
· Debriefing at the end of each session
· Follow up at the beginning of each session
· Sharing meals
Target Group
· Young men who may be in need of assistance in finding direction and developing goals.
· Young men who may benefit in terms of social skills and confidence.
· Young men who may experience academic difficulties at school.
· Young men who may benefit from understanding emotions and/or behaviour.
. Young men who may experience difficulty with depression, anger, sadness, loneliness, withdrawal, anxiety,
stress.
· Young men who may benefit from positive role modelling.
· Young men who may be perceived to be “at risk” by school welfare coordinators, teachers or parents.
Program Overview
Target Group
10 male students from a particular secondary school in Wyndham in approximately year 8.
Facilitators
Wyndham City Council Youth Counsellor and Youth Development Officer.
Duration
6 week program.
When
Once a week during a school term for 6 weeks.
Time
Approximately 3 hours during a designated school day. Each session incorporates appropriate short breaks. Lunch refreshments and drinks are provided.
Venue
The Youth Resource Centre,
86 Derrimut Rd, Hoppers Crossing.
Transport
Young men will be collected from, and returned to school by the Wyndham City Council van.
Cost
There is no cost to the school or the students, as this program is funded by Wyndham City Council Youth Services.
Referral Procedures
. Access to the program is by referral only. This program operates in conjunction with schools.
· School staff member must conduct an interview with the young person they wish to refer and complete the
specific interview criteria provided.
· If the young person gives a firm commitment to attend the program, School staff member is to complete a
confidential “Referral for START Program” form for each young person.
· School staff member is to contact the Youth Counsellor with all referrals (ph. 9742 8155).
N.B. Suggestions regarding additional topics that are deemed to be important to be covered in the program are welcome.
For more information contact Youth Services on 9742 8155 or
email: mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday - 9am - 6pm (excluding public holidays)