Kids & Teens in the Valley is continuing to grow its support for young people across the Derwent Valley, with new staff helping expand school programs, holiday activities and youth-led initiatives across the region.

Supported through the Tasmanian Community Fund, the Youth Connection: Derwent Valley Wellbeing Initiative focuses on building confidence, wellbeing and connection among local young people while creating opportunities for them to shape their own futures.

Kids & Teens in the Valley Chief Executive Officer Sarah Davidson said additional staff had significantly increased the organisation’s ability to support young people.

“Under our original funding agreement, we planned for three new staff positions, but we were able to bring on an additional facilitator to help meet demand,” she said.

“We’ve been able to significantly extend the number of programs we’re delivering and it’s been really exciting to see how quickly things have grown.”

The organisation recently delivered school holiday activities throughout April and has expanded its in-school programs across Fairview Primary School, New Norfolk Primary School, Molesworth Primary School and New Norfolk High School.

Programs range from boys and girls groups for upper primary students through to Get Active programs and a new LGBTQIA+ lunchtime group at the high school.

Ms Davidson said the expansion was already delivering positive outcomes.

“We’re running seven programs this term and we’re getting such great results from all of the schools,” she said.

“The beautiful thing about these programs is they run over eight weeks, so we have the opportunity to build consistency, get to know the young people and cover important topics and issues with them.”

Each program involves two facilitators and small groups of students, allowing staff to create safe and supportive environments where stronger relationships can develop.

Looking ahead, planning is also underway for a Youth Summit later this year, which will bring together young people from schools across the Derwent Valley, including independent and home-school communities.

Ms Davidson said the event would create an opportunity for young people to have their voices heard.

“It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together and hear what young people want and what they need in the Derwent Valley,” she said.

“We’re progressing in a really positive way, both on the ground and in the bigger picture of what we want to achieve.”