Clientele

Who This Work is For

To date, we have been mostly working with young people with intensive support needs.  Most often these young people have been in the care of the State.  They often have been unable to succeed in mainstream programs.  Often, too, people have very low expectations about what these young people can achieve.  Our success with these young people tells us that we have had an effective model tool.  

Our programs and future focus will take in clients from CanTeen teenage cancer patients society, children with Autism, Heartkids and other health challenged communities.

Young People Will Readily Participate

Working in an adventure activity based experiential framework assists with the key barrier of engagement capturing many kids who would not otherwise hear key messages.  R.U.S.H. Inc offers programs that most young people will readily engage in.  All of RUSH's programs are informed by the narrative approach and is relevant because young people often get so caught up in their stories that they can see nothing else. If you can get them to live outside of their story, for even a weekend, then they have an alternative experience to build new stories on in the future.

Enhancing A Sense of Self

Each young person referred to a R.U.S.H. program strives to enhance the young person’s sense of self – exploring his or her values, self-worth, esteem, abilities and confidence.  R.U.S.H provides a supportive environment and an opportunity to experience challenge and success & healing.  Self-esteem cannot be taught, but must be gained through experiencing success and achievement and the acknowledgment of those experiences. 

Targeting of Recipients

Recipients of R.U.S.H programs are based on referrals from services and organisations dealing with marginalised, disadvantaged & health challenged youth. 

Referrals to R.U.S.H. Programs

Referral to R.U.S.H programs has in the past been for disadvantaged youth who are in need of intensive or an alternative approach to service provision. In particular, those youth who are in need of 24-hour supervision and whose social skills and attitudes has them alienated from mainstream society. 

In the past referrals have been made to R.U.S.H. by government and non-government organisations throughout Newcastle .  Department of Community Services, Samaritans Foundation, Hunter Support Services, Maitland Youth Enterprise Centre, Juvenile Justice, Local Police Liaison Officers, Schools, Children’s Magistrates, Northern Lakes Youth Services to name just a few.