Support for young people in our Shire
Bellingen Shire Youth Services (BSYS) is a State government funded service providing support to young people ages 12 – 18, and their families, across the Bellingen Shire.
For youth & families
Bellingen Shire Youth Services is the only locally based youth and family service that services Bellingen Shire.
Whilst we are a program of the Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre, our office is based within the Bellingen Youth Hub so that young people can easily access our Youth Caseworkers.
BSYS is a non-threatening, trauma-informed “youth friendly” service that is focused on improving the lives of our local young people.
How we provide support
BSYS has been in this area for over twenty years, and works closely with a range of community stakeholders to the find best outcomes for youth. Our programs and individual support work is driven by experienced workers with a focus on balancing evidence informed practice and capacity to respond to local need. We work across the entire Shire, including Dorrigo, Urunga and the seaboard and surrounding areas.
The service works collaboratively with young people and their families, high schools, other organisations and individuals. We support young people aged 12-18 and their families who may be at risk or would benefit from extra support.
Our Youth Caseworkers deliver a range of services including
Client-focused casework
Advocacy
Advice & referrals
Basic personal counselling
Family mediation
Parenting programs
School based youth programs
After school youth programs
Bellingen Shire Youth Service is a provider of the NSW Family and Community Services (FACS) EIPP Program.
BSYS groups & projects
Bello Be Young & Proud
Bello Be Young & Proud (BBYP) is a same sex attracted & gender diverse youth group coordinated by Bellingen Shire Youth Services. The group welcomes LGBT+ young people who identify and their allies aged between 12 – 21 years. The group aims to create friendship connections, belonging and a safe space for young people.
Kitchen Connections
Kitchen Connections is a BSYS program that brings together young women to cook and share meals. The goal is to provide young women with tools and skills to take care of themselves; through food and practices that enhance resilience and mental well-being. It’s an opportunity to share and learn in a relaxed safe space
Connect with a youth worker
BSYS workers are often in their office at the Hub on weekdays and youth are always welcome to come by the office for a chat.
Otherwise, they can be contacted via phone or email, to organise a time to meet up.
Families are also welcome to drop-in or organise a time via phone or email.
Our youth workers are also available at the Youth Clinic on Thursdays during school terms (2.00 pm – 5.30 pm) to help you with issues such as family conflict, bullying, relationship problems, drugs & alcohol and problems at school.
