Djerriwarrh Health will expand its Moorabool youth services over the next few months thanks to more than $10,000 from an appeal launched in memory of murdered Bacchus Marsh woman Sarah Cafferkey.
Ms Cafferkey’s mother, Noelle Dickson, said the planned youth centre would be somewhere for young people to feel safe.
“We want it to be a place kids who are struggling can go, somewhere they’re able to feel comfortable,” she said.
“We could have couches, games and a TV – make it appealing.”
Djerriwarrh Health chief executive Bruce Marshall said trained counsellors would be available on site, focusing on people aged 12 to 24.
“[The centre will] help youth who are experiencing depression, anxiety, mood swings, relationship difficulties and other issues,” he said.
Mr Marshall said the centre’s location had yet to be decided, but the aim was to make it accessible and inviting. Opportunities to establish other youth-related services at the site were also being explored.
Bacchus Marsh police youth resource officer Jim Ross stressed the importance of confidentiality.
“In a small town like Bacchus Marsh, kids or other family members will hesitate to go to a drug centre for fear of being seen by others,” he said.
“It’s important that if people walk in others have no idea what they’re walking in there for. Calling it a youth hub has people picturing kids playing pool and video games, but it’s not solely about that. It’s somewhere kids can turn and a first place of inquiry.”
