Bike rescue sees high uptake from disengaged youth in Kwinana

AN INNOVATIVE approach to engaging youth has been a hit in Kwinana.

Kwinana Youth Services and Gilmore College chose 10 of the community’s most disengaged young people to participate in a five-week bike rescue program from November 5 to December 3.

The program is run by West Leederville based group Dismantle.

Its program objective is to engage young people by working towards building and restoring bikes using Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), an evidenced based mental health therapy practice.

It was popular with the youth, with high attendance rates throughout its duration.

Mayor Carol Adams said the City of Kwinana wanted Kwinana youth to have the best opportunities possible.

“Dismantle’s unique program has seen a really positive response from the young people who have been a part of this fantastic initiative,” she said.

“Aimed at students in years eight and nine, the program helps to build social skills, feelings of accomplishment and engage young people by being involved in an activity using a hands-on learning style.”

The City’s Youth Services team have found that most of those who joined the program are now more likely to go into specialised school or alternative learning programs to further their skills.

For more information on programs run by the Youth Services Team contact 9236 4550 or zone@kwinana.wa.gov.au

Visit www.dismantle.org.au for more information on Dismantle.