Opening Times and Details

The VSM Safe Place is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the on-call number: 0488 536 558

Services

The VSM Safe Place provides a Place of Safety and support programs for young people (12-17 yrs) who are misusing volatile and other substances, and who are at therefore at risk of substance abuse. The main source of referrals is Queensland Police.

Services include:

  • Individual Support - personal, emotional, cultural, social, educational, recreational
  • Holistic Health Support and Referral including drug and alcohol awareness, stolen generation and cultural counseling 
  • Outreach/Diversionary Activities including footy/touch (Wanna be Deadly Comp) - yearly camp, bush tucker, cultural tours & local cave art, recreational activities 
  • Transport and Supervision for young people to access activities in the community - BAD, Parkour, GAP, street soccer, PCYC etc 
  • Educational/Motivational Programs - VSM & other substances awareness for youth and adults, ‘Stand Up' , Yarning Circles (a verbal learning circle designed to assist people in sharing their voice and experiences) 
  • Rest and Recovery - 72 hour placement for young people ‘under the influence' where personal safety, hygiene and nutrition are addressed and health assessments and referrals are made 
  • Resources/Information - providing resources and information around youth substance misuse

Achievements

In 2010 the VSM program started late night BBQs on Thursdays from 6pm at Riverway Skate Park, with the support of Riverway, Willows, Queensland Police Service, Townsville City Council, Tony Ireland Stadium, G & T Security, Life Line Parkour and Salvation Army. Between 35-150 young people come along, and a touch footy side has been set up from amongst participants. The team trains on Tuesdays from 4pm-6pm at Weir State School oval & at 7pm Thursdays at Riverway.

Staffing

The program employs a Program Coordinator, Senior Youth Worker, and a pool of casual Youth Workers.

Funding Body

The VSM Program is funded by the Queensland Department of Communities.