Construction will start next month on a new youth space at the Encounter Centre in Victor Harbor.

Funded by a social impact grant from the Department of Human Services, the physical space will be fitted out to deliver the City of Victor Harbor’s youth programs and will serve as casual drop-in space for local young people. 

The build will begin in late March, with completion expected mid-year and the City of Harbor’s Youth Team will rent the facility, twice a week in the afternoons when the Centre is not being used by NDIS participants. 

Youth Development Officer Daniel Western says the goal of the Victor Harbor Youth Space was to combat loneliness and isolation, while building social connections for Victor Harbor’s young people. 

“Having a physical youth space also increases young people’s access to essential services such as Headspace, Mission Australia and Jobs Statewide, and to positive adult role models” he says.

“A youth space in Victor Harbor responds to a long-standing need identified by community feedback.” 

Encounter Centre’s Manager of Operations Jan Oliver says the expansion is an exciting opportunity that will make the centre a space for the whole community. 

“We’re creating a safe and welcoming space here at the Encounter Centre, and we want that for our young people too.” 

Programs facilitated by the council’s Youth Development team will include arts and music programs, as well as life skills courses. 

The Encounter Centre has also secured a grant from the Department of Human Services to facilitate an Open Day, which will also include consultation from users of the Centre as well as the wider community to ensure that it is providing services that are important to the district.