Youth award
25 August 2010
St John of God Health Care’s Geelong
hospital has been awarded Catholic Health Australia’s
2nd annual Outreach Healthcare Award for its Youth
Engagement Program.
In a ceremony at Catholic Health Australia’s
(CHA) National Conference in Adelaide on Tuesday 24th
August, CHA Chief Executive Officer Martin Laverty presented the
award to Mr Stephen Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of St John of
God Hospital, Geelong and Ms Josie Taylor, Youth Drug and Alcohol
Outreach Co-ordinator from Barwon Youth.
The Youth Engagement Program, operated in
partnership by St John of God Hospital Geelong and Barwon Youth,
focuses on supporting young people in the south west region of
Victoria who are experiencing problems with alcohol and other drugs
in order to lessen alcohol and drug related harm.
Youth workers engage with vulnerable young
people in their own environment where they are most comfortable and
link them with agencies that can provide additional treatment as
required. The program also offers a safe place for young people who
have complex health and social needs to access showers and meals,
nursing staff, and screening, assessment and referral to
accommodation and other health services.
“We are extremely proud of our outreach work
in Geelong. The partnership between Barwon Youth and our hospital
makes a significant difference in young people’s lives in the
region and we are honoured that it has been acknowledged in this
way,” said Mr Roberts.
St John of God Health Care’s Group Chief
Executive Officer, Dr Michael Stanford said it was gratifying to
have this partnership recognised among fellow Catholic health care
organisations.
“Effective collaborative partnerships are
increasingly important in today’s environment in order to overcome
challenges and meet community need,” Dr Stanford said. “Many of our
outreach services have successfully developed partnerships and
alliances with other like minded agencies, the government or the
private sector. Having such a partnership commended through this
award is a fantastic tribute to all involved.”
The Youth Engagement Program is part of St
John of God Health Care’s Social
Outreach and Advocacy services, which aim to reach out to
people experiencing disadvantage to improve health and
wellbeing.
CHA’s Outreach Healthcare Award honours a CHA
member organisation that has demonstrated its commitment to the
healing ministry of Jesus through the development and delivery of
innovative services devoted to improving the health status of the
vulnerable and marginalised.