Transforming youth through AfterCARE

Banksia Gardens Community Services’ AfterCARE program empowers youth through a holistic approach.

It was a typical Wednesday afternoon at Banksia Gardens Community Services. The rooms were bustling with activity, as 40 young people ranging from Prep to Year 12, settled in for the day’s activities. Some were reading, others were learning long division, while a few were preparing for soccer training. Bodhi Sweeny, team leader of the afterschool and holiday programs, watched on as volunteers tended to the needs of students.

‘This is usually the busiest day of the week for our AfterCARE program. Our program took shape 17 years ago as a study group to help Somali migrants. It is now a full-fledged sports, arts, and academic support program to nurture young people,’ said Bodhi.

‘We had to expand to meet the growing needs of our changing community in Banksia Gardens. Over time, you can see how the program has made a difference.’

Building trust and personalised support

The AfterCARE program is unique in many ways to deliver a holistic program to benefit all young people in Banksia Gardens. ‘We offer focused and age-related activities, and take an inclusive approach, which means young people with disabilities or difficulty regulating emotions are supported to join in. We chose this format because we knew the kids would hang out in a similar fashion in the neighbourhood anyway – it’s better that we provide a positive environment for them to interact and be safe while doing so,’ shared Paul Atkinson, Community Development Manager.

‘Through the support of the Victorian Government, we’ve been able expand the offerings of our AfterCARE program and increase our staff and volunteers’ capacity to support the youth through a trauma-informed practice. With something available every day of the week, young people in Banksia Gardens have physically and mentally stimulating activities to participate in.’

‘We also host a weekly group for parents and carers of children and young people, lightly facilitated by a Somali-speaking social worker,’ said Jaime de Loma-Osorio Ricon, deputy CEO at Banksia Gardens Community Services.

‘By interacting with parents and carers, we are building important 3-way relationships to foster trust between them and our service. It’s only by doing so, that we can support our community to thrive.’

Often, staff at Banksia Gardens go above and beyond to ensure the needs of the youth are met. ‘Sometimes, we get students who come in feeling angry after a bad day at school – and we help them work through their emotions healthily so they can express themselves in a productive way. Sometimes it’s about defusing anger, sometimes it’s talking to a parent to explain a situation before the child does,’ said Paul.

‘Occasionally, it may require a more personalised and coordinated response – for example, we took the initiative to speak to the NDIS support worker, the special needs school, and the parent – to ensure one particular child was getting the appropriate care he required.’

Full circle: from participant to staff member

Sumeya Yussuf, an immunology undergraduate, has a 10-year relationship with the organisation. ‘Sumeya attended our after-school program as a primary school student,’ Bodhi shared.

‘She then joined our Aiming High VCE program that helped her get into the degree of her choice. She’s since returned to the program as a volunteer. Recently, we’ve been able to offer Sumeya paid work with us.’

Sumeya knew she was going to volunteer the moment she completed her VCE exams. ‘I’ve gained so much from the volunteer tutors throughout my earlier schooling years. My achievements are theirs as well,’ said Sumeya. ‘I wanted to do the same for other young kids in my community and back them up too. It’s not about the homework, it was about confidence and having someone believe in your ability to succeed. It’s uplifting and motivating.’

Now Sumeya continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The program helped her achieve her dreams and empowered her to become a mentor herself. This cycle of success is passed onto the next generation of volunteers and young people in Banksia Gardens.

Banksia Gardens Community Services AfterCARE program is supported by the Victorian Government's Metropolitan Partnerships Program. The Northern Metropolitan Partnership provided $140,000 in funding, which went towards program development, additional training and resources.

Volunteer Sumeya (R) is speaking to a student about her homework in the after-school program.