Wellbeing programs and initiatives
At Youth Off The Streets high schools, learning and wellbeing are inseparable. Our unique education model is supported by a range of student wellbeing programs and initiatives.
In the Youth Off The Streets Model of Education, learning and wellbeing are inseparable. They continuously shape and reinforce one another.
We recognise that when a young person feels valued, recognised and known, their wellbeing strengthens – and with strengthened wellbeing comes the confidence and curiosity needed for learning.
Our education model intentionally integrates academic learning, emotional development, cultural identity, community connection and restorative practice, so that each student can grow in confidence, agency and hope.
“This is education that nurtures the whole person. This is education that believes in every young person,” says Amy Gill, our Deputy Principal of Innovation and Impact. “This is education as a pathway to healing, empowerment and a future that belongs to them.”
Dedicated alternative education specialists
Each of Youth Off The Streets’ six registered and accredited alternative schools is staffed by experienced teachers, student support learning officers, student support youth workers and on-site psychologists and counsellors – a ‘therapeutic web’ – who support each student’s individual learning journey.
In addition, we have two dedicated, fit-for-purpose roles that work collaboratively across our schools to deliver positive outcomes for all students.
Our Education Impact and Practice Specialist is responsible for embedding and advancing trauma-informed education practices across our education programs. Our Deputy Principal of Wellbeing and Restorative Engagement ensures that each school delivers inclusive, evidence-informed learning environments for young people overcoming complex challenges.
Robust safety systems – including child protection processes, wellbeing planning, staff training and cross-agency collaboration – ensure we respond effectively to crises and high-risk situations. All staff are supported with ongoing professional learning to maintain a high standard of safeguarding and wellbeing practice.
First Nations cultural and wellbeing support
In all our work at Youth Off The Streets, we celebrate the cultures, learnings and spiritual connections that have been shared across thousands of years. We are proud to continue these traditions for future generations – so that all children and young people who seek connection to Country at Youth Off The Streets are empowered to find it.
Read more: Family business: The First Nations family empowering their community
Around 30 per cent of students at Youth Off The Streets schools identify as First Nations. Our dedicated First Nations team consist of caseworkers, cultural advisors and wellbeing specialists who provide culturally grounded support that honours identity, connection and community. They help students to reconnect with their culture, build pride in their identity and strengthen their sense of belonging both within school and community.
Through yarning circles, connection to Country, an annual NAIDOC Week cultural camp, community partnerships and cultural mentoring, our First Nations Services team ensures that learning is not detached from identity but grows through it. Their support assists our Education staff to create spaces where students see their culture reflected and respected in the rhythm of school life.
Power Within: Domestic violence prevention program
Youth Off The Streets employs domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) educators and support specialists, a role unique to our school context. This preventative and responsive position aims to educate students about the cycle of abuse and provide direct support when incidents of violence occur.
They provide safety, education and advocacy by building student understanding of healthy relationships, boundaries and protective behaviours, while also offering trauma-informed guidance when students are navigating complex personal circumstances.
Power Within is an early intervention education program designed to raise awareness of domestic, family and sexual violence. Through interactive workshops, students learn to recognise the cycle of violence, understand warning signs and develop strategies for safety and communication.
The 10-week program also addresses healthy versus unhealthy relationships, consent, gender dynamics, bullying, stereotyping and the influence of social media and pornography.
By starting these conversations early, Power Within empowers students with knowledge and practical tools to make informed choices and seek support. It fosters resilience, promotes respectful relationships and helps create safer school communities.
Cycle of Courage: Change through physical endeavour
The Cycle of Courage program is offered to all students across Youth Off The Streets’ high schools. Delivered through planned school sport sessions and service-learning initiatives, the program provides structured weekly training rides that develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills in a supportive environment.
Students also gain practical competencies in cycling, bike maintenance and road safety awareness.
Read more: Liam’s story: On the road to success
Positive outcomes of the Cycle of Courage program include regular school attendance and the strengthening of positive behaviour, while building confidence, resilience and physical and mental strength. It connects young people from diverse backgrounds to a supportive cycling community and creates pathways to work placements and employment opportunities.
Beyond physical skills, the program offers opportunities for public speaking and advocacy, enabling students to raise awareness and funds for Youth Off The Streets and the Cycle of Courage program. It embeds lifelong knowledge and habits that promote fitness, health and wellbeing.
Representative sport
Every year our schools come together for sports gala days, each centring on sports that highlight different physical abilities and mental strengths: netball, basketball, surf lifesaving, volleyball, athletics and the RAW Challenge, an outdoor obstacle course.
Opportunities to represent Youth Off The Streets within the broader community continue to expand, strengthening our presence and impact. A Youth Off The Streets team competes at the Association of Independent Co-Educational Schools (CDSSA) carnival days, across sports including netball, rugby league and athletics.
Students interested in competitive snow sports are encouraged to participate in the Snow Australia Interschools at Perisher ski fields, a snow sports competition between over 7,000 students from nearly 700 schools.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award empowers young people to build essential life skills, improve employability and access further education.
Youth Off The Streets is proud to be the only alternative education provider offering this prestigious program to its students. Since its introduction to our schools in 2022, dozens of students have successfully achieved the Award, demonstrating resilience, commitment and personal growth.
The program is structured around four key components: community service, skill development, physical activity and the undertaking of an adventurous journey.
These journeys have included remarkable experiences such as exploring the remote Lady Musgrave Island and trekking through the Red Centre, giving students opportunities to challenge themselves and discover new horizons.
