Leopold teens get a new space to meet

LEOPOLD teens will have a safe, inclusive “drop-in” place to connect with their peers under a new council initiative.

City of Greater Geelong councillor Sarah Mansfield said the Leopold Youth Space would provide opportunities for children aged 12-18 to connect with others and increase their skills, knowledge and interests.

“By engaging young people through these informal sessions we hope to strengthen their connection with their local community,” Cr Mansfield said.

Sessions will be held each Friday at the Leopold Neighbourhood Centre from next week.

“Leopold is a high-growth area and so we’re excited to be launching these new drop-in sessions to cater for the increasing number of young peo- ple in the area,” Cr Mansfield said.

The Leopold Youth Space is one of a number of new drop-in spaces opening up around the region in 2018-19, including Armstrong Creek and Central Geelong.

Existing youth spaces in Grovedale, Whittington and the fOrT in Corio have proven hugely popular, with about 4800 young people participating in drop-in sessions in the past 12 months.

Cr Mansfied said the purpose of the drop-in spaces was to provide opportunities for young people to engage, connect and participate in their local communities.

“We’re looking forward to seeing many young people use this service, meeting new friends and learning new skills,” she said.

The sessions run each Friday during the school terms from 3.30-5.30pm.