Youth team available, EV’s Hangout open over school holiday break

Young people in Maroondah in need of advice or something to do over the school holidays will be happy to know EV’s Youth Centre will remain open over the Christmas break.

Council’s qualified and experienced youth workers will be on hand to provide free and confidential support and advice to young people and their families.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Mike Symon said that for any young person aged 10 to 25 years in need of help or advice over the Christmas break, they could call, text or Facebook message the youth team, or drop into EV’s on a Thursday.

“Strong visitation over the Christmas period last year and throughout this year shows EVs fulfils a need for young people in Maroondah,” Cr Symon said.

The popular EV’s Hangout, which runs out of EV’s Youth Centre in Croydon, is used as a meeting place, source of information, and as a drop-in space for those aged 12-25.

It will be open throughout the school holiday period, between 3pm and 6pm every Thursday (except on Thursday 26 December 2019).

From music to event management training, connecting with your LGBTI youth community or help with getting your driver’s licence, Youth Services provide a range of programs and services for young people aged10-25.

The Maroondah City Council Youth Services website also provides contact details for other local support services, and other resources for young people and their families.

“If you or someone you know finds themselves in a position where they need support or help, our youth workers are available to talk to on almost any issue, whether it’s about school, finding a job, if you’re struggling with self-confidence or dealing with family issues, want to get involved in the community, or if a young person is just having a hard time,” Cr Symon said.

“Especially now that school has ended for the year, I know there will be many Year 12 school-leavers who, when the time comes to decide, may need that extra support and guidance if undecided about whether to pursue tertiary studies, enter the workforce, or what to do next,” Symon said.

EV’s is located at 212 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon and is just a 6-minute walk from Croydon Station. EV’s is also wheelchair accessible.

For more information, you can contact Council’s Youth Services team on 9294 5704 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), email [email protected], visit the Maroondah City Council Youth Services website or connect on Facebook and Instagram.

For anyone needing help outside of normal office hours, or on weekends (including public holidays), you can call one of these 24-hour/seven days a week services for immediate help.