Written by Mimi Laurilla [with information from Victoria Police]
Speakers Bank supports the VISION program by speaking at some of the learning sessions hoping to inspire young persons to make them realise that they can offer more to the community and their families.
‘VISION’ is a Victoria Police initiative designed to support boys aged between 12 to 16 years of age using theme based and recreation activities as the medium of enga
gement. The program is led by Victoria Police Youth Resource Officers, in partnership with Out Doors Inc. and Anglicare Victoria and is sponsored and supported by other community support services and agencies.
This program is aimed at assisting young people from Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong, reach their full potential by supporting them to make positive life choices at an age they are vulnerable to engaging in behaviour that may put themselves or others at risk of harm.
‘Vision’ incorporates physical activity with personal developmental themes, including respectful relationships, conflict resolution, harm minimisation, resilience, empathy, pride, leadership and community spirit.
The program is unique in that while we worked with the young person every Friday for a 12 week period we also offered support to the family’s via our professional networks to support
the young person make positive personal change.
The program will include three phases. The young people will progress through the program as they successfully complete each phase. They begin participants (Phase 1), progressing into mentors (Phase 2) and developing into leaders (Phase 3). Completion of all three phases will result in program graduation, with the aim of participants engaging into education and/or employment.
All activities are fully funded and the program is proudly sponsored by RISE MMA, Carlton Football Club, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham Youth Services, Laverton Hub, Woolworths, Masters, Cooper Real Estate, Rotary Club of Altona.
[in photos: members of the Victoria Police program deliver talks during the sessions, and Storm Robbins and a participant take a photo after Storm’s talk]