The aim and vision of Lions Youth Haven is to support young people who are disengaged, at-risk or have additional learning needs and give them the training and confidence needed to achieve their goals in life. In partnership with community organisations, we do this in many ways:
In partnership with Communities at Work:
The Galilee School is a registered, independent secondary school, designed specifically for disengaged and vulnerable young people in Years 7-12 in the ACT and the surrounding areas for whom the mainstream schooling environment has struggled to deliver positive outcomes.
As the only Special Assistance School in the Canberra region, they provide training, skill development and job-ready support for students transitioning to the workforce or to further educational opportunities. Their philosophy is learner-centered, strengths-based, relationship-driven, and restorative.
In partnership with Southern Canberra High Schools:
LYH has established the Farm Skills Program which assists disengaged students referred by local schools to re-engage with learning. The program includes training in farming practices, environmental studies, cooking, gardening, maintenance, construction and horticulture. As well as educational outcomes the program provides encouragement and positive experiences for the participants with improvement of self-confidence, self-esteem, social skills and mental wellbeing being one of the major program goals.
The program equips the students with life skills that will help them to find pathways to further study or meaningful employment. Being out of the classroom and in a more hands-on learning situation gives them the opportunity to identify skills and talents which may not have been evident in a more academic environment. Normally, around forty students attend the program each week.
In partnership with The Disability Trust:
The Disability Trust supports people with disabilities to live in a shared living arrangement in a LYH residence called LCIF House.
Their supported living arrangements offer residents a quality accessible home that caters to the individual support needs of people with a range of disabilities, with between two and five residents.
Shared living arrangements offer a fantastic opportunity for residents to live with people they choose, meeting social needs and maximising their independence while getting the supports they need to realise their potential.
Their trained staff provide quality support and ensure that residents live in a safe and happy home environment.
In partnership with the ACT Woodcraft Guild:
The Woodcraft Guild has for 10 years conducted its highly successful Student Woodworking Program which takes place at their workshop on the Lions Youth Haven property.
The program has evolved over the years to specifically cater for high school students who may have a range of difficulties or special needs. Students work closely with experienced Guild Mentors on individual and group projects in a safe, enjoyable and productive environment. Consistent feedback from the schools has proven the program’s effectiveness with improved student performance.
In partnership with registered NDIS provider Here 2 Help:
Lions Youth Haven provides facilities to operate a day program for young people with profound intellectual disabilities. The program focuses on the participants personal growth, skill development and provides tailored experiences and animal connections.
Lions Youth Haven has proven to be an ideal location for the participants, offering the necessary open space and a secure environment away from major roads and other potential hazards. The serene and expansive setting of LYH not only supports the physical activities of the participants but also contributes significantly to their overall well-being and development.
