Karratha Harmony Hub a space for local youth to call their own, find support

A new youth hub has opened in Karratha offering a safe space for young people struggling with the impacts of alcohol and drugs to have a break and find support.

The Salvation Army opened the doors of the Karratha Harmony Hub last month, offering a cosy home-like environment for young people to connect with each other and support workers.

The hub— funded by the Mental Health Commission — aims to help people aged 15 to 25 speak freely about issues they are facing and reach out to services already operating across the community.

The space has opportunities for young people to get creative, cook, listen to music, play games, join in self-care sessions and talk.

It is currently only open to referrals, but there are plans to eventually run drop-in sessions, host a weekly youth group and educational workshops.

Youth alcohol and other drug education and support worker Angela Day said the hub aimed to reduce the harms caused by drug and alcohol use by making it easier for young people to reach out.

Ms Day said the service provided a familiar face, with a support worker able to help clients find counselling, jobs and training or even get their driver’s licence.

“Some of the other reasons people use alcohol and drugs is through boredom and feeling helpless,” she said.

“So by helping them have some goals and ways to actually achieve those goals, it gets them out of the house and breaks some of that boredom cycle.

“It’s just to give them hope and to know there is someone that can advocate for them and go along with them on the journey but at the same time empowering them to make those connections themselves.”

Ms Day said breaking the cycle of alcohol and drug use among young people helped to prevent other issues such as domestic and family violence.

“There is not going to be any quick fix but bringing the various services together and connecting with each other .... we can be there to support the client the best we can,” she said.

“So even if their circumstances don’t change, at least they still feel as though there is someone they can talk to or there is someone who is looking out for them.”

For more information contact Karratha Youth Accommodation Service on 9144 1881 or angela.day@salvationarmy.org.au.