IDEAL Placements sponsor 20 at-risk youths to finish their education

Mackay not-for-profits are tackling youth crime at a grassroots level through their amazing diversion programs.

Cr Fran Mann, Dee Chapman of the Youth Information Referral Service accept a $100,000 donation from Melissa Holmes & Denzel Bobongie at Ideal Placement. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Two Mackay not-for-profits have come together to tackle the issue of youth crime in Mackay by funding a local diversion program.

IDEAL Placements, an organisation that specialises in providing career transition assistance and helps people with disabilities enter the workforce, has sponsored a group of 20 students to continue their education with the Youth Information Referral Service (YIRS).

The Youth Information Referral Service operate a ‘One Stop Youth Shop’ at Mackay’s Victoria street which serves as a space for disengaged or disadvantaged youths to access education, healthcare, mental care, social services and a safe environment.

“Some of them don’t fit in at mainstream school,” YIRS Service Manager Dee Chapman said.

“They might have mental health issues, financial issues or an unsafe home life.

“YIRS is a place for them to get help, finish their education, transition to the work force and feel safe for no cost.”

"We haven't had any increase in funding since 2014" Dee Chapman. Photo: Fergus Gregg

YIRS’ hosts weekly visits from health practitioners including midwives and mental health professionals, to support the children who come to them for guidance and aid.

However, after federal government funding was ceased in 2014, finding funding for their education program and other services had been difficult.

“We feel very privileged to sponsor YIRS,” said Melissa Holmes the General Manager of IDEAL Placements who have donated $101,000 to YIRS’ education program.

“We have a longstanding relationship with them.

“One of our key goals is to put youth back in education.

“(YIRS) is a great stepping stone.”

This money will be used to directly sponsor 20 teenagers currently with YIRS.

“This will ensure at least 20 students will finish their education, transition back into mainstream schooling or employment.”

YIRS and IDEAL Placements have also collaborated in the past through their ‘transition to work’ program.

Transition to work has work placement officers come from IDEAL Placements to work one-on-one with a student.

“We see a lot of kids at YIRS who have different barriers,”Placement Officer Denzel Bobongie said.

“We offer employment services, help them make CVs and also help them set employment and education goals.”

While YIRS is intended only to service the city of Mackay, demand for their services has grown so great that young people from outside the Mackay city area have been reaching out for assistance at alarming rates.

“1500 people have contacted us in the last financial year alone,” Ms Chapman said.

“Those are just the ones we know about.”