Slam dunk for at-risk young people

A free program to help at-risk young people with mentorship and engagement will be in North Lakes from March-May.

Take it to the Streets is visiting key northside locations to ensure young people can get guidance and support from activities, including 3×3 basketball.

It will use sport to help young people losing confidence or self-esteem, at-risk of disengaging from education or starting anti-social or offending behaviour.

The program teaches skills and discipline with mentoring focused on increasing confidence, emotional regulation, community engagement and mental wellbeing.

More than 130 young people aged 13 to 18-years-old have participated in the program so far, with an average of 22 per session.

Based on Brisbane’s northside, the program is running eight sessions a week at the following locations over the next six months:

• Zillmere, Northside Wizards: December 17, 19, 21 December 2024 and January 7, 9, 11, 14, 16.

• Bracken Ridge State High School: Every Wednesday from January 22 to March 12.

• North Lakes: Every Thursday from March 13 to May 1.

• Chermside: Every Thursday from May 8 to June 26.

Take it to the Streets is one of 26 early intervention programs to receive funding under the Queensland Government’s Youth Development Partnership Fund.

The fund is a joint initiative between the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queensland Police Service.

Program lead and professional 3×3 basketball player Deola D’Brown said the program is also a legitimate pathway towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“These young people could not only change their lives but become the local Olympians,” Mr D’Brown said.

“Some of the talent we’ve seen is amazing. We can’t wait to see what these young people can achieve with some consistent support, guidance and mentoring.”

Youth Programs Unit Acting Inspector Lester Brooks said programs like Take it to the Streets have the power to intervene at a crucial time in young people’s lives.

“Evidence shows when disengaged or at-risk young people are engaged through programs and given tools to change their behaviour, that their risk of reoffending or leaving school reduces,” he said.

“This means not only a better future for our young people, but a safer community.”

For more on the Youth Development Partnership Fund visit: www.dtis.qld.gov.au/sport/funding-programs/youth-development-partnership-fund