Drop in centre for Wyndham

Wyndham may soon have its own 'drop in centre', where youths can congregate without being seen as an anti-social threat.

Bevan and Bernice Spackman have donated the use of 'the old Retravision Store', in Koolinda Street, next door to Wyndham Supermarket as a home for the centre.

St Boniface Anglican Church minister Peter Palmer is coordinating the effort in association with other local organisations such as churches, health, police and schools.

He said: "We propose a community venue in which local people can meet for informal social interchange such as information and recreation before the need for social intervention arises.

"The project will aim predominately to supply the need for a relaxed place to 'hangout' for young people at risk.

"We initially propose the centre be open for three to five days a week depending on the community response to the project.

"Sunday evenings will be dedicated to the running of a Christian coffee shop program," he said.

He sees the objectives to be: to minimise vandalism over the school holiday period; reduce alcohol consumption in the community; reduce self-harm amongst indigenous youth; minimise other substance abuse; increase self-esteem among indigenous people and have a place where positive values are modelled and reinforced.

It will have some rules including: no swearing, no alcohol, no smoking and no spitting.

Activities may include pool, darts, table tennis and table/board games.

It is envisaged that it will become a reading and literacy centre with a wide range of topics.

Supervision will include at least two adults to facilitate discussion or help with personal or interpersonal problems.

Free refreshments such as tea, coffee and cold water will be available to all.

Paid refreshments will be available at a reasonable cost to cover electricity and other outgoings.

Peter hopes it will provide opportunities for youths to get to know police and health professionals in a relaxed atmosphere rather than at the point of intervention.

He also sees it as a way to help young people look at their lives to see what they want to do and achieve their dreams and aspirations.

He says that currently there is no place in town where young people can go and relax and there are no school holiday programs in Wyndham.

Predominantly the target market will be school-aged people both indigenous and white

There will be no entrance fee and people can come and go as they please

Peter is now looking for volunteers to help run the project.

On Friday he said that, so far, the response had been overwhelming, with numerous people offering their support.

If people want further information or are willing to help they should call Peter on 0402 062 842.