Regional Youth Support Service (RYSS) has been forced to close its Central Coast Youth Hub for 12-25-year-olds in Erina St, Gosford.
The hub was a two-year funded Safer Communities program targeting young people at risk of harm in the community.
It saw six youth workers support more than 2,600 young people since July 1, 2022.
Those positions are now gone.
Doors closed on April 5 for direct casework referrals and the café’s last day is April 11.
CEO Kim McLoughry said the rest of RYSS remained strong, with a variety of programs for 12-18-year-olds.
“We have a Shopfront HQ in the Gosford CBD on the corner of Erina St and Henry Parry Dr which stays,” she said.
“We bought that site when Parkside closed.
“All our other venues remain also – at Warrawilla Rd, Wyoming, and the Woy Woy Peninsula Youth Services Kiosk.
“We partner up and provide targeted early intervention, Abilities NDIS supports and justice support plus transitional housing for young Aboriginal people.”
RYSS retains 65 staff members across its three sites.
“We want to reassure people that we are still there for young people,” McLoughry said.
The partner services Centrelink, Social Futures LAC, Service NSW and Legal Aid panel will continue at RYSS HQ.
Bookings can be made at https://www.ryss.com.au/external-support-service-calendar
Meanwhile, RYSS has launched a campaign for new regional youth hubs, with more than 1,000 signatures so far.
You can sign the petition at https://chng.it/BbKKLmL49C
Shame where is the finding to help youth. Its a labour part negligent of its duties.