GRIT and Shine On – Restoring Strength and Hope in the Face of Youth Crisis

Newcastle’s youth are in crisis, and we cannot afford to look away.

In recent months, headlines have painted a sobering picture. Youth crime is on the rise. Operation Regional Mongoose and Operation Soteria have exposed a disturbing trend: large numbers of young people being charged with violent and property crimes.

We are seeing a spike in anti-social behaviour, car thefts, assaults, and serious incidents involving youth gangs. Schools are under strain. Families are in breakdown. And a growing mental health crisis is fuelling much of the unrest.

But behind the headlines are real human stories. Stories of young people who have been failed by every system designed to protect them. Stories of trauma, stigma, disconnection, poverty, exclusion, and unmet mental health needs.

At LIVEfree Project, we refuse to let these stories end in despair.

Shine On, our small-group, relationship-driven initiative, is designed for young people experiencing acute vulnerability. It is where we talk openly about mental health. Where we teach coping strategies, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. Where young people learn to name what they’re feeling, build their emotional vocabulary, and take back ownership of their stories.

But this isn’t just about putting out fires. This is about building futures.

This term, our Shine On group has shown us the true power of community, resilience, and hope. Through honest conversations, practical learning, and deep connection, these young people are not just surviving — they’re beginning to thrive. They are reclaiming their stories, discovering their strengths, and stepping boldly into the future they deserve.

Participants identified the core skills they felt were missing — and we listened.

Together, we built a curriculum that includes:

• Cooking and nutrition skills

• Budgeting and financial literacy

• Leadership and communication training

• Self-care and emotional wellbeing

• Healthy relationships and boundaries

• Preparing for employment and independence

In every session, we are creating space for hope, dignity, and discovery. Through shared meals, open dialogue, and practical workshops, walls fall, trust builds, and courage replaces cynicism.

Already, we have seen young people re-engage in school, rebuild relationships with family, start volunteering, apply for jobs, find their voice, and discover their worth.

The youth crisis we face in Newcastle is not inevitable. It is the result of years of disinvestment, stigma, and disconnection. But we believe, with everything we have, that it is reversible. That we can turn the tide.

With continued support, belief, and investment, we can build a city where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to shine on — lighting the way for generations to come.

Together, we are not just responding to a crisis; we are creating a future filled with promise.

For more information on our Student Programs like Shine On and GRIT, please had to our programs page.