When the going gets tough, this youth group gets going
- deansimpson7
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
BY MATTHEW PLON
The 2770 postcode in Sydney’s Greater West has a reputation for being a tough area.
The postcode covers several suburbs primarily around Mount Druitt, including Minchinbury, Hebersham, Whalan, Blackett, Bidwill, Emerton, Lethbridge Park, Shalvey, Tregear and Willmot – all within the City of Blacktown local government area.
Aneita Roberts is The Salvation Army Community Engagement Worker for this region and oversees a youth group – Belong Youth – with 13 volunteer leaders.
Aneita and her volunteers have one goal – to bring respect and the love of Jesus to kids who desperately need it. Being a low-income region, many young people face hardships at home and at school.
Belong Youth is for high schoolers in this community. Many of these young people are not connected to a church and find their way to Belong through friends and community advertising.
“We are blessed to be able to develop strong bonds and relationships with these young people, and we truly believe, as a leadership team, that God brings them into Belong for whatever season they are in, knowing that our program will be able to impact their lives,” says Aneita.
The Belong Youth leadership team serves every second Friday night.
Aneita is proud to reveal that six of the leaders were once members of the youth group. The rest of the team comes from all over the Salvos community, connected through friends of other leaders, and from people seeking an opportunity to serve.
Belong Youth provides a space where the everyday hardships of life can be forgotten and where young people can feel valued, cared for, and have a sense of belonging.
“Everyone needs a place they feel comfortable and relaxed,” says Carmen, one of the volunteer leaders.
“Healthy and important conversations happen when people feel safe. Whether that’s about school, difficulties, or Jesus, these are big topics, and if kids feel safe, those conversations are more likely to happen.”
Every second Friday night, Belong Youth starts with a dinner.
Belong Youth operates out of the Blacktown Salvation Army hall. Every fortnight, three volunteers drive buses to pick up young people in the area so they can attend.
A typical night at Belong Youth always starts with dinner prepared by Auxiliary-Lieutenant Lorelle Vince, who is a Team Member with Greater West Salvos - Lethbridge Park.
“We always ensure that we provide dinner for our young people, as we aren't sure when they had their last meal, or will have dinner when they come home. We want to ensure that we are meeting their basic needs as well,” Aneita explains.
The night then has ‘Carmen’s Couch’, where the kids listen to an interview that gives them the chance to learn about their leaders and each other. They then break into life groups to study a verse from the Bible. This is followed by games where everyone gets to have fun and get to know each other better.
“I hope our young people gain a sense of belonging and security at Belong,” says Aneita.
“As Christians, we sacrifice our time to share our faith and the story of Christ; however, I believe this is more effective with young people when they are comfortable and feel love. Even if a young person leaves Belong Youth without feeling strongly connected to God, but feels loved, accepted, comfortable in their own skin and so forth, that is still the work of God through us.”
For the team at Belong Youth, it’s not always easy, as they face problems from behavioural issues to a lack of adequate transport. They ask for your prayers and support as they continue to serve.
Belong Youth out and about, experiencing a variety of activities, from youth nights, camps, bushwalks, savouring ice cream and volunteering at a Bunnings sausage sizzle.
