SafeSPACE program to continue in Bunbury with State Government support

A crucial mental health program is set to remain in Bunbury, the State Government announcing its decision to retain the initiative throughout WA. Last Wednesday the Cook Government revealed its plans to continue supporting the PCYC’s safeSPACE program, as part of a $.6 million dollar commitment to help at-risk-youth can access mental health services free of charge. The safeSPACE program focuses on participants’ strengths, giving the young people a break from their complex and often challenging home environments while also helping children develop positive relations with police, qualified youth workers, and cultural leaders. WA PCYC Chair Geoffrey Stooke said the Government’s support was “greatly appreciated”. “PCYC acknowledges the incredible support of the Cook Government in funding the safeSPACE™ program at Broome, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Gosnells and Bunbury for two years,” he said. “This is an outstanding commitment by the Cook Government so that PCYC can continue to provide the vital safeSPACE™ program for at-risk young people.” Last month alone, the program delivered more than 300 hours of education and development activities for young people across Bunbury, Broome, Carnarvon and Geraldton — with close to 1000 children taking part over the last year. The State Government already funds safeSPACE programs in Collie and Kununurra, while the Commonwealth Government financially supports the initiative in Roebourne and Kalgoorlie. Police Minister Paul Papalia said it was a “well-loved” and “much-needed” initiative. “We’re proud to be support Western Australia’s PCYCs and applaud the incredible efforts of its staff,” he said. “Engaging with at-risk children, helps them to develop life skills and can prevent them from becoming tangled in the criminal justice system. “Each location has a tailored schedule co-designed by local police, community members and participants. This allows individual communities to deliver region-specific care which increases the positive impacts on participants.”