DEPUTY Prime Minister Mark Vaile will launch the Youth Pathways program for young people in Port Macquarie this Friday, 19 May.

Mission Australia will be delivering Youth Pathways services in the Manning-Hastings region to more than 190 most at risk young people per year.

The Australian Government program aims to assist the most at risk young people aged between 13 and 19 to make a successful transition through school and from school to further education, training or employment and active participation in the community.

Under Youth Pathways, eligible young people will receive:

• personal one-to-one assistance to help identify strengths, goals and the barriers they face;
• individual assistance and guidance to help overcome barriers;
• support to achieve their goals; and
• other services aimed at better equipping them to successfully make the transition through school and from school to further education, training or employment.

“We are proud to be helping young, local people with targeted support and guidance to achieve their education and career goals,” said Mission Australia Service Manager, Craig Westall.

Mission Australia helped over 18,000 people last financial year through its 71 Youth Initiatives services located around Australia, including 30 in NSW.

Youth Pathways has replaced the Jobs Pathway Programme, and will service more than 17,000 of the most at risk young people annually Australia wide, with approximately $75 million in funding for the next three years. For further information about how Youth Pathways can help the most at risk young people please contact Mission Australia on (02) 6583 7150.

The Youth Pathways launch will take place at the Blue Water Bar & Restaurant, Ocean Street, Flynn’s Beach, this Friday, from 10am.