Media vision and interviews: https://r2.mypolice.qld.gov.au/uploads/2024/12/13/000944_take-it-to-the-street-media.mp4
A youth program is aiming to intervene in the lives of at-risk young people by bringing mentorship and engagement activities to them.
Take it to the Streets is moving across key North Brisbane locations, to ensure young people can access guidance and support through a series of engagement activities including the Olympic sport of 3×3 basketball.
The program aims to use sport to break down barriers and empower young people who may be losing confidence or self-esteem, are at-risk of disengaging from education or may be commencing anti-social or offending behaviour.
The free program teaches skills and discipline while engaging young people with mentoring that focuses on supporting young people and increasing their confidence, emotional regulation, community engagement and mental wellbeing.
More than 130 young people aged 13 to 18-years-old have participated in the program so far, with an average of 22 per session.
Based on Brisbane's northside, the program is running eight sessions a week across five locations in the North Brisbane District, aiming to take engagement programs to where the young people need, without the requirement for travel.
Take it to the Streets is one of 26 early intervention programs to receive funding under the Queensland Government's Youth Development Partnership Fund.
The Youth Development Partnership Fund is a joint initiative between the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queensland Police Service.
Funding is provided to approved programs which deliver a transformational positive impact on local communities and their youth.
Program lead and professional 3×3 basketball player Deola D'Brown said the program also offers young people a grassroots opportunity and legitimate pathway towards Brisbane 2032.
"These young people could not only change their lives but become the local Olympians of our future," Mr D'Brown said.
"Some of the talent we've seen already is amazing, and we can't wait to see what these young people can achieve with some consistent support, guidance and mentoring."
Youth Programs Unit Acting Inspector Lester Brooks said that youth programs like Take it to the Streets have the power to intervene at a crucial time in young people's lives.
"Evidence shows that when disengaged or at-risk young people are engaged through programs and given the tools to change their behaviour, that their risk of reoffending or leaving school reduces."
"This means not only a better future for our young people, but a safer community."
"Sport has the power to connect people, and I congratulate all involved in Take it to the Streets, as we already start to see a positive influence on the young people involved."
Take it to the Streets program details:
• Boondall, Mulbeam Park: Every Thursday from 24th October to 12th December 2024.
• Zillmere, Northside Wizards: 17th, 19th, 21st December 2024 & 7th, 9th, 11th, 14th, 16th January 2025.
• Bracken Ridge State High School, Bracken Ridge: Every Wednesday from 22nd January to 12th March 2025.
• North Lakes: Every Thursday from 13th March to 1st May 2025.
• Chermside: Every Thursday from 8th May to 26th June 2025.
For further information on the Youth Development Partnership Fund please visit: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/sport/funding-programs/youth-development-partnership-fund
More information on this program is available on the Made Concepts webpage.
