Street Smart van delivers for at risk youth

Services to young people in the Hunter have received a major boost in December following the unveiling of a new street van that will help them access services and support at user friendly meeting places in the region. 

While Wesley Mission Newcastle’s Street Smart service has assisted more than 1,200 young people during the past year the outreach program did not have a functional street van tuned to the diverse and often complex needs of young people. The van has a range of fresh features including a barbecue, LED television, electronic games and the ability to transport young people to a variety of locations. 

The CEO of Wesley Mission the Rev. Dr Keith Garner said the new van will visit local youth hot spots and contact young people who do not normally get in touch with mainstream youth services. 

“The van will take the Street Smart service to where young people are at,” Dr Garner said. “The service will be meeting young people on familiar ground in a non-threatening and culturally relevant way which conveys that they are valued and accepted.”