Youth Support + Advocacy Service

Are you a caregiver looking for support, connection and practical advice? Join us at our next Caregiver Support Group on Tuesday 9th June 💛

This month’s session will focus on Neurodiversity & Navigating Support Services, including school supports, NDIS, GPs and more.

Hosted by YSAS Dandenong in partnership with Family Life and headspace Dandenong, this free in-person group offers a welcoming space for caregivers to connect, share experiences and explore challenges together. You’ll also hear from professionals and learn practical parenting strategies you can use at home.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who it’s for: Parents, family members and important people in the lives of children and young people aged 0–25
📍 Where: Third Place @ YSAS Dandenong in the Dandenong Hub, Level 3, 26 McCrae St, Dandenong
🕠 When: Tuesday 9th June, 4.45pm–6.15pm
🔎 Topic: Neurodiversity & Navigating Support Services
☕ Coffee, tea and light refreshments provided
🎟️ Tickets are free but limited – registration is essential (link in bio)

For more information, contact Thishya Abeyanayake on (03) 9770 0341.

Today on National Sorry Day, YSAS acknowledges the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their families, communities and cultures through government policies and practices.
 
We honour the strength, resilience and leadership of the Stolen Generation survivors, their families and communities, and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of trauma, loss and disconnection that continue to be felt across generations.
 
This year’s campaign from is ‘From Sorry to Action’, which outlines critical priorities and tangible actions needed to progress the long-outstanding recommendations of the 1997 Bringing them home report. Nearly three decades later, many of the needs identified by Stolen Generations survivors, including health and wellbeing support, records access, redress, education, research and sector sustainability, remain unmet.
 
Saying sorry matters. But sorry without action is not enough.
 
Real change requires leadership, accountability and urgent action to address the ongoing impacts of removal, trauma and disconnection experienced by First Nations peoples.
 
At YSAS, we stand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in recognising truth, listening to lived experience, and supporting meaningful change toward healing and reconciliation.
 

IDAHOBIT Day is this Sunday May 17th, so to celebrate we’re hosting a morning tea with at the Abbotsford Day Program☕️🌼🏳️‍🌈

This event is for young people aged 16-25, come along from 11am-12pm for some trivia and cake🍰

You can register for this free event now via the link in our bio!🩷

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Victoria’s Pill Testing Service is here to stay 💊 

As part of this year’s Victorian State Budget, the service will receive $9.6 million, which includes funding to continue operations through both a strengthened fixed site in Fitzroy, and at festivals around the state for the next two years. 

This investment means better access to trusted, confidential advice from health professionals and peer workers, plus early warnings about dangerous substances like fentanyl and nitazenes. 

“Strengthening the service helps people make informed choices to protect their health and wellbeing.” — YSAS CEO Andrew Bruun

You can read our full media release via the link in our bio🔗

https://ysas.org.au/news/ysas-commends-state-government-for-renewing-victorian-pill-testing-service-funding/

YSAS commends State Government for renewing Victorian Pill Testing Service funding Drug checking is now legal in Victoria, meaning people will able to get their drugs checked for harmful substances and doses from this summer.