Youthhaven Horticulture is a success story!

Youthhaven is a Christian outreach and support program for long-term unemployed people in the Woden, Weston Creek and North Tuggeranong areas. It has operated for 12 years in co-operation with the Lions Clubs of Canberra on their property Westwood Farm on the Kambah Pool Road. Volunteers come from five local parishes, usually working for one or two half-days a week supporting the 20-25 growers in various ways.

The aim is to provide the growers with satisfying and creative activity during the day, so they can gain confidence and self-esteem. The project facilitates interaction between Christians and people who normally have no contact with the Church.

About a quarter of the growers are slightly intellectually handicapped or brain injured and need individual help. Other volunteers help with transport, practical work, encouragement and general support.

POSITIVES include: a high level of grower and volunteer commitment; a minimum of infrastructure and meetings; a good reputation with government and community agencies; a sound financial position and reasonable level of resources. Scope exists for branching out to free-range poultry, worm farming etc.

OUR PROBLEM is that old age is impacting on our current volunteers! So we are approaching local churches for 'younger' retirees and others able to help us on weekdays. Horticultural experience is helpful but not essential. Volunteers want to show the compassion of Christ in befriending and supporting some men and women for whom life is not easy.