Getting it together for young people

The Getting It Together Scheme (GITS) is an alcohol and other drugs prevention initiative that resulted from the 1999 NSW Drug Summit, and is managed by the NSW Department of Community Services.

South Sydney Youth Services runs the Streetbeat Transport and Casework Management Program, one of 15 Getting It Together services in NSW. Streetbeat provides vulnerable teenagers with the support they need through late night transport and outreach and daytime support with practical, emotional and some financial help.

Young people who need a lift home can call the bus on the free call number, 1800 114 114, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm until 3am. The Streetbeat Bus provides free and safe transport to young people in the Sydney metropolitan area.  Streetbeat’s daytime services offer young people intensive support to deal with a range of issues that include accommodation, personal problems, education and difficulties with the legal system.

Ms Burney said: “The GITS Streetbeat program in Redfern has been instrumental in engaging local teenagers who, traditionally, may not have access to conventional services. In the last half of 2008, the group offered support to almost 150 young people in the local area.”

“I am personally grateful to South Sydney Youth Services for their dedication to the GITS program. By working at a local level, their efforts have helped young people build resilience and gain independence.”

This program forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment of more than $269 million to tackle the use of illicit drugs over the next three years.

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au