ConnectUs: New support service empowering region’s young people

A new support service for the region’s young people is helping to connect them with the right information, programs and opportunities so that they can be empowered to reach their full potential.

ConnectUs is an improved service finder website (formerly No Wrong Door) providing an online directory of services, supports and programs available to young people aged 10 to 25 years in Maroondah, Knox and Yarra Ranges.

The online directory is a joint initiative of youth services teams across three outer-east councils, Maroondah, Knox and Yarra Ranges, and has been established to connect young people with the support, services and opportunities they need to thrive.

ConnectUs can be used by both young people and the people who support them, including parents, carers, schools and service providers.

The directory contains information on health and wellbeing support; community groups and agencies; recreation options, education, housing, employment, and much more.

Councillor Kylie Spears said ConnectUs gets young people to the right services at the right time.

“As we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, we want all young people to be healthy, safe and empowered to reach their full potential,” Cr Spears said.

“With young people at the heart of the ConnectUs collaboration, the goal of the platform is to support young people to be the best version of themselves,” she said.

“It is also a useful information-sharing tool, with community organisations and clubs having the ability to add their services or an activity to the service finder website.

“ConnectUs takes a whole-of-community approach through its strategic framework of ‘empower, connect, advocate’, with the aim to enable councils to focus on creating space, opportunities and networks that support young people to access supports and services they need,” Cr Spears added.

Do you belong to a group, organisation or service that provides health, wellbeing support, groups, recreation or education programs for young people aged 10 to 25 years in Melbourne’s outer-east? Consider including your listing on ConnectUs.

To add or update information about your service to the ConnectUs website, simply fill in the online form at the top right corner of the ConnectUs page

For more information about ConnectUs, contact the Maroondah Youth Service Provider Network (MYSPN) Coordinator on 9294 5721 or email [email protected]

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