Lighthouse funding to shine on for youth

A SAFE haven for at-risk Townsville youth has secured State Government funding until 2023, with a portion of the money to go to opening a similar facility in the Upper Ross.

The Lighthouse has been granted $7 million in State Government funding.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said $500,000 of that will go toward establishing a similar service in the Upper Ross area.

“It’s a place where young people in need can stay overnight and receive immediate support,” he said.

“That support is designed to get them off the streets and divert them from risky behaviours. The community has told me that although the services The Lighthouse provides are much needed in the Upper Ross area, it’s just a bit too far for kids to access when they need it.”

Jenny Savage, the acting CEO of Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service that operates the Lighthouse service, said the service’s grassroots approach often yielded positive results for young people.

“Take, for example, the situation of a young boy who was brought to the Lighthouse by local police concerned for his wellbeing,” she said.

“Disconnected from family and disengaged from school, the young boy was given a place to sleep, food and a shower.

“The next day the Lighthouse workers began a 10month journey with the young boy that has resulted in him addressing substance misuse, returning to school and better managing conversations with his family and guardian.”

A number of services apart from the Lighthouse had received funding to continue and expand their services.

They including the Burragah Flexi schooling program, High Risk Youth Court and Transition to Success.