A SAFE SPACE.
A STRONGER FUTURE.
The Bridgewater Youth Hub will be a culturally safe, multi-purpose space designed to support the social and emotional well-being of young people. Centered on their voices and needs, the hub will provide access to essential wraparound services, early intervention programs, and a safe environment that operates beyond conventional hours. By fostering connection, empowerment, and opportunity, the hub aims to divert young people away from the justice system and towards a brighter future.
OUR MISSION
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OUR MISSION 〰️
The Bridgewater Youth Hub will be a culturally safe, multi-purpose space dedicated to improving social justice outcomes for young people, particularly young Aboriginal community members. This standalone youth cooperative will provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where young voices are central to daily operations and decision-making.
Designed to operate beyond the traditional 9-to-5 model, the hub will offer essential wraparound services and early intervention programs tailored to young people's needs. By fostering connection, empowerment, and opportunity, it will provide much-needed support to prevent, divert, and reduce youth involvement in the justice system. The hub will focus on creating culturally safe pathways for social and emotional well-being, ensuring young people can access the resources, guidance, and community connections they need to thrive.
Through collaboration with local services and community-led initiatives, the Bridgewater Youth Hub will be a vital space for mentorship, personal development, and early intervention - working to break cycles of disadvantage and build a stronger, more connected future for young people in the Brighton municipality.
We want to hear
from you!
For a long time, many people in our community have wanted to see a space dedicated to young people. The Bridgewater Youth Hub will be a safe place for you and your friends, a place to hang out, join in activities, learn new things, and get support when you need it.
We want to know what you think would make a youth hub awesome. Your ideas will help us create a space that’s perfect for you!
Why are we creating a Youth Hub?
We are creating a Youth Hub because young people in the Brighton community, particularly those identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, face significant challenges, including social and economic disadvantage, disengagement from education and employment, and early exposure to the justice system. There are many services for the early years and 0-5 areas, but there is a critical gap in services for older youth.
Despite multiple studies and community consultations highlighting the need for action, tangible solutions have yet to be implemented. A dedicated Youth Hub will provide a culturally safe space with trauma-informed support, after-hours access, and programs focused on social and emotional well-being. By investing in this space, we aim to empower young people, provide pathways away from the justice system, and create opportunities for a stronger, more connected future.
