The Young Crisis Accommodation Centre (YCAC) is a vital specialist homelessness service operating in Boorowa, Harden, Cootamundra, Temora and Young (known as the Hilltops region) in rural NSW. YCAC’s dedicated team offers support plans for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness, specialising in domestic and family violence support.
Unfortunately, YCAC has witnessed a significant increase in domestic and family violence in their service area over recent years. The organisation identified a need to educate youth about these issues in a format that was relevant, engaging and informative.
With support from a Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grant of $4,076, YCAC purchased nine iPads, which were then used to deliver the Love Bites program across the Hilltops region, targeting Year 10 students from four local high schools. The Love Bites program provides young people with a safe environment to examine, discuss and explore respectful relationships.
The iPads enabled students to participate in creative sessions, collaborating with peers to design or record projects that captured their learning. When not in use by the students, the iPads also supported domestic and family violence caseworkers with intakes, housing applications and victim services claims.
This small funding contribution resulted in significant impact, with YCAC’s project enhancing engagement and participation among young people in the Love Bites program. Students can explore content through interactive platforms, leading to a deeper understanding of domestic and family violence, as well as coping strategies and help-seeking skills. An added bonus was the student’s creative development. With the iPads, children are using Canva, storytelling, creating videos and using other digital mediums to voice their thoughts and emotions. The flexibility in mediums empowered students to connect with the material and apply it to their own experiences.
Through this initiative, YCAC has strengthened its educational outreach and given children a voice in their learning and healing journey, improving outcomes for young people and families affected by domestic and family violence across the Hilltops region.
Learn more about the Love Bites program: