OUR VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

​MISSION:
Supporting homeless young people in Melbourne’s West​

VISION:
All young people feel a sense of belonging and are actively contributing to our community​

VALUES:
Localised and individual support for at risk young people from diverse backgrounds​
Access via a welcoming comfortable setting, part of the community​
Tackling youth homelessness is a community priority​
Inspiring young people through mentoring and programs​
Teaming up with other agencies and partners to provide services​
Unique not for profit providing real solutions​
Directions for young people​
Ending youth homelessness​

Thinking creatively, Latitude develops programs to meet current and emerging needs. Supporting and building on Case Management Practice and providing opportunity for Prevention and Early Intervention for young people.

OUR SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

Latitude Programs are designed to provide opportunities to develop positive communication skills, accept and understand boundaries, build self-confidence, self-worth, surrounded by supportive role models and positive peer networks.

WYNBAY BULLDOGS:
The most visible Latitude program delivered in partnership with youth services from the cities of Hobsons Bay & Wyndham, Victoria Police and Reclink Australia. The success of the program and these partnerships is built upon a shared understanding of the issues facing disadvantaged young people, recognition of barriers and a commitment to reinforcing positive behaviors. The program provides access to people who may not be connected to community supports, young people engaged with Latitude and other youth services. A celebration of community participation, the program is also supported by volunteers from the local area.

Centred around football, the WynBay Bulldogs provides a safe space for participants to practice a range of skills that supports belonging, positive communication, and respectful relationships. For some participants, this program forms a significant influence in their lives. It’s so much more than football.

FOOD ANGELS:
(Not currently running - may return in future)

First delivered in 2011, this program is run in-house, and available to young people currently receiving case management from Latitude. This program enhances young peoples’ ability to fully engage in structured support plans highlighting communication, literacy, numeracy, budgeting and team work, as well as providing practical food preparation skills and nutritional knowledge.

Previous participants report increased confidence and insight into how healthy living intersects with healthy minds, bodies and lives. For some participants, the highlight is the simple act of sharing a communal meal that promotes positive interaction and socialization. This program also complements the WynBay Bulldogs program, as eating and cooking well can naturally often mean playing well.

YOUNG MENS GROUP:
(Not currently running - may return in future)

Delivered as a pilot in 2012, the Young Men’s Group has since cemented its place in the Latitude program calendar and has repeatedly proven its value to participants. The program provides activities that encourage participation, building trust, teamwork, strategic and consequential thinking.

Many young men presenting at Latitude often have not had positive male role models in their lives. This impacts heavily on their behaviours and understandings of who they are and strive to be. The inclusion of mentors recruited from the community provides a unique avenue for our young men to experience a positive relationship in which both parties are without vested interest or motive.

The young men’s group is delivered in response to the high number of young men presenting at Latitude. If high numbers of young women also present in the future, we will consider delivering a similar young women’s group. The underpinning principles of building positive relationships and connection to community remain the same. All of our programs aim to create a true sense of belonging, that’s why they are such an important part of Latitude’s values.

All programs are funded by small grants and donations to ensure we continue to deliver these programs DONATE HERE

If you would like to consider becoming a mentor or volunteer, please Contact Us.