Programs a hit with youth in Redcliffe

Police officers from the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) are running boxing and basketball programs to engage young people on the Redcliffe Peninsula, with encouraging results.

Acting Senior Sergeant Sarah Grayson says the programs help young people create ‘connection and belonging to something or someone’.

“These activities give young people the opportunity to ‘come and try’ different activities, meet new people, form friendships and make a connection with police in an informal setting,” she says.

“They have the opportunity to speak to police in confidence if they need and police can refer young people to appropriate relevant agencies if they need additional support.”

The team runs drop-in basketball every Tuesday, during the school term at Scarborough State School, 3.30-5.30pm for young people aged 10-17 years. Sessions, which include fun fitness, basketball activities, team building, games and afternoon tea, are free to attend.

LDAT officers have partnered with Redcliffe PCYC to facilitate Boxing After Dark every Wednesday from 6-7.30pm at the PCYC. The free sessions are for 12-17-year-olds and aim to improve participants’ fitness, while building skills and enabling team discussion. There’s also pizza.

Basketball has been running for a couple of years and Boxing After Dark started in February this year.

“The programs aim to get more young people involved in meaningful activities, connection and mateship, build rapport between the young people and police, encouraging participation, sense of belonging, engagement, friendships and more,” Acting Sen-Sgt Grayson says.

“It’s great to see increased attendance over the time of the programs as well as regular attendance of some young people where they progress in their skill level, connection and mateship.”

Acting Sen-Sgt Grayson says the programs are managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and support the community to reduce harms from alcohol and other drugs in the area.

Young people who are keen to join in can simply turn up at either program.

For more information, phone Redcliffe PCYC on (07) 3385 1900.