The Warehouse in Joondalup.
Camera IconThe Warehouse in Joondalup. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Youth Futures opens education hub in Joondalup

Staff WriterJoondalup Times

YOUTH Futures has launched a facility in Joondalup to provide services for young people who face barriers to mainstream education.

The organisation has provided youth-centred services to increase community participation and enhance wellbeing in the northern suburbs for more than 30 years.

Its programs include Comet CaRE Schools, Youth Futures Community School and Anchor Point program, which were all registered with the Education Department.

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Chief executive Mark Waite said the organisation had supported more than 1000 young people since 2015 and seen student attendance increase from below 20 per cent to an average of 88 per cent.

“On average, 76-78 per cent of students transition to further education, training or employment,” he said.

Youth Futures chief executive Mark Waite, Education Minister Sue Ellery, Burns Beach MLA Mark Folkard and Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton.
Camera IconYouth Futures chief executive Mark Waite, Education Minister Sue Ellery, Burns Beach MLA Mark Folkard and Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Waite said the Anchor Point program at a City of Joondalup youth centre in Heathridge had consistently been at capacity since its launch in 2015, with 23 students currently and an average of 11 students on the waitlist in 2018.

“In order to cater to the demand and to develop the program delivery, the program needed to relocate to a larger venue,” he said.

“Last year, a purpose designed space was identified that would enable the program to be delivered to the growing population of young people particularly those who experience a range of difficulties in their lives.

“With some generous funding from Lotterywest and other supporters the building was able to be fitted out into the perfect space.”

Education Minister Sue Ellery officially opened the organisation’s purpose-designed space and Anchor Point’s new home, The Warehouse, on August 21.

Visit youthfutureswa.com.au.