St Vincent De Paul Society Youth Programs

Vinnies Youth (St Vincent de Paul Society) runs youth programs to support young people and their families. The community-based programs offer opportunities to young people in both primary and secondary schools and are facilitated by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers.

The role

The Buddies Day Program is a community engagement program designed to give families support by providing their children with a fun day out as well as an opportunity for volunteers to become positive role models within the community. The program provides opportunities for self-development and inclusive community engagement for both children and volunteers. In addition, many of the families who access the Buddies Day program appreciate the opportunity for the respite.

The Soccer Stars Program is designed to remove barriers to participation in sport by making soccer free, accessible, and inclusive while also creating a positive sporting environment where friendships, confidence and social skills can be developed for all children. The core content for the Soccer Stars Program will be based on developing knowledge and skills relevant to the game of soccer, in addition to promoting the value of sportsmanship. This may include training drills and skill development, teamwork and taking part in soccer matches.

The Sense Program aims to empower secondary school aged young people to develop practical, social, and emotional skills for life by developing a sense of belonging through strengthening social connections and building friendships, promoting wellbeing, resilience, and a sense of responsibility to community and providing positive role models for support and guidance. The program creates opportunities for success through goal setting and positive decision making.

Whilst these programs have fundamental priorities across the state, every program is unique due to the needs that the local community presents. Children and young people who are involved in our programs come from a variety of backgrounds and have been identified as in need of additional support and would benefit from community engagement.