New name, same unique, vital service - Ipswich

BoysTown offices across Australia are opening their doors this morning (February 29) with a new name – ‘yourtown’.

After 55 years of helping some of the most underprivileged Australians as BoysTown, it was time to change to a name that better reflected the inclusive nature of the organisation’s work.

yourtown CEO Tracy Adams said as one of Australia’s most enduring charities helping those who need it most, yourtown has a proud tradition and equally exciting future.

“We’re very proud of the work we do. Our 24/7 Kids Helpline counselling service for children and young people reaches every corner of Australia. We also have an impressive track record of getting young people jobs through vocational training, employment services and personal support,” Ms Adams said.

Ms Adams said that the name may be new but yourtown will continue to have the same purpose and passion when working with the community.

“We believe every young person has the right to a brighter future,” she said. 

“We’re focused on helping young people find jobs, learn skills, become great parents and live safer, happier lives.”

With 42 centres in 35 locations across Australia, yourtown is tackling the issues impacting young people. It does this with dedicated services that get results:  

•    Counselling and mentoring (Kids Helpline, Parentline, face to face counselling and mentoring)
•    Parent and family services (Young parents programs, community and family mental health programs)
•    Family refuges that given families temporary homes and/or domestic violence support 
•    Education and reengagement services
•    Training and employment services
•    Indigenous employment and wellbeing initiatives

“Last year, yourtown received more than a quarter of a million (250,000) contacts from those reaching out for help. Over 12,000 young people were helped to gain vital skills to get a job, more than 220,000 contacts were made with Kids Helpline and Parentline counsellors, and thousands more took part in other training and wellbeing services,” Ms Adams said. 

yourtown offers education and on the job training services in the Ipswich region, including the Skilling Queensland for Work programs funded by the Queensland Government. To find out more about yourtown’s Ipswich programs call 07 3387 8800. 

-ENDS-

INTERVIEW/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES  

•    Tracy Adams, yourtown CEO 
•    Case studies of young people helped 
•    Local photo opportunities on request