Youth programs| Mentoring| Mediation|
Mental health support
Community-driven, ‘youth at risk’ programs that change young people’s lives in and around the Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River and Manjimup Warren Blackwood regions.
WA Department of Communities funded since 2000.
Maegen helped me when I was in one of the worst places of my life
She helped me piece it all back together, she was never judgemental and always supportive, she knew the right services to help connect me to. She helped me re-engage in school, she worked with student services to modify my timetable, which took so much pressure off. She really listened to me and helped me find the things I love doing.
A YSW Graduate nails the way we work
Maegen helped me when I was in one of the worst places of my life
She helped me piece it all back together, she was never judgemental and always supportive, she knew the right services to help connect me to. She helped me re-engage in school, she worked with student services to modify my timetable, which took so much pressure off. She really listened to me and helped me find the things I love doing.
A YSW Graduate nails the way we work
‘At risk’ youth program’s success stories
Kudos in spades to these four capable, courageous young people for tackling some huge obstacles with the support of our YSW Team
* Names and images changed to protect our clients’ identities.
Damian
Damian was struggling on all fronts. At home, he fought with his Mum. At school, he fought with pretty much everyone.
Amy
Amy’s mental health had been fragile for a long time. She had a history of self-harm and was considered a suicide risk.
Aaron
Aaron’s life was in chaos. At home, he clashed constantly with his stepdad. At school, he was bullied.
Leanne
When she couldn’t score a bed in a friend’s house, Leanne was homeless. She was using a lot of drugs and alcohol. She was in trouble with the police.
Meet Sarah Abel, Senior Youth Worker
It’s my absolute privilege to support young people as they navigate the barriers they face during the tough and tricky business of growing into adulthood.
In the six very fulfilling years I’ve worked at JSW, I’ve been a Manager and a Trainer on our Leadership and Alternative Education Programs and a Youth Worker on Our Youth South West Program.
JSW is a very supportive and innovative place to work. Everyone is open to trying new things, and we support each other in getting the best outcomes for our clients. We also have strong networks and longstanding relationships with other regional service providers, so we can draw on deep resources to support our young people.
Before transitioning to a career in Youth Work, I worked in television as an Account Manager for WIN and as an IT/Multimedia Trainer at TAFE. My IT and multimedia media background is an asset when it comes to working creatively with young people.
I support vulnerable clients aged twelve to eighteen. I take a holistic approach to help them explore their options for education and employment and reconnect to family and community.
Outside of work, I’m a soccer coach for eight to ten-year-olds, a keen yoga practitioner and a child sponsor for World Vision.
JSW Youth Support Programs FAQ
How old are the young people in your programs?
Our Youth South West (YSW) programs in Bunbury, Busselton, Warren Blackwood and Manjimup support children aged 12-18. These programs are funded by the Department of Communities – Child Protection and Family Support.
How do you support young people?
We provide a holistic case management and informal counselling service using outreach and centre-based support. We aim to develop the whole person. So, we combine counselling, mentoring, mediation, and referrals to specialist services with recreational and creative activities. We also support and champion young people in finding education, training and employment opportunities that work for them.
Who do you help?
Many of our young people are early school leavers. They often have no community contact, inadequate family support or family conflicts, and financial distress. They may also have significant mental health and substance misuse issues.
How do I refer a young person?
You can refer a young person by completing this form. To discuss whether your young person is likely to be a good fit for the program and to check the availability of places, please email.
Refer a young person to us
We provide skilful wrap-around support, including referrals to specialist services and recreational and creative activities, so young people can figure themselves out and find their way back to their families and communities.
Making a positive difference since 1992
Legals & Forms
Jobs South West Inc. T/A JSW Training & Community Services. RTO code 0305.
JSW Training and Community Services acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land we live and work on. We pay our respects to Elders both past, present and future.