The refreshed program will be delivered from RHT’s site at 1B Henry Street, Sheffield and will offer weekly opportunities to connect, create, learn, try new things and shape activities around what young people are interested in.
The program is designed for all young people aged 11 to 17, recognising that young people within this age group have different interests, circumstances and pathways. This includes young people attending school as well as older young people who may have moved into employment, training, further education or other pathways beyond school.
Kentish Council Mayor, Kate Haberle, said the new arrangement provided an opportunity to build on the strengths of the existing program while providing a broader and more inclusive offer for young people.
“We want the program to be somewhere young people genuinely want to be, regardless of where they are at in their lives,” Mayor Haberle said.
“For some, that might mean coming along after school to connect with friends and take part in an activity. For others, particularly those who have moved into employment, training or another pathway, it can provide an opportunity to stay connected with other young people and their community.
The program will give young people opportunities to try new things, develop skills, have a say in what happens and shape activities around their interests.”
Glenhaven Family Care has delivered youth activities through Kentish House in partnership with Kentish Council and has made an important contribution to providing opportunities for local young people.
Glenhaven Family Care Inc Executive Manager North West, Mark Holwill, said the organisation’s focus was evolving to ensure its resources were directed towards its core role and the changing needs of the Kentish community.
“Glenhaven is proud of the contribution Kentish House has made to the community and of the relationships we have built with local young people and families,” Mr Holwill said.
“As our organisation refocuses its work on our core areas of support, we are pleased to see Council’s youth program continue through a new partnership with Rural Health Tasmania.
This provides an opportunity for the program to evolve while maintaining an important focus on this age cohort and their connection to the Kentish community.”
RHT has a long-standing presence in Kentish and brings experience in health, wellbeing and community-based programs and will work with young people to develop activities that reflect their interests and idea.
RHT Chief Executive Officer Lee Seymour said the program would be designed to be relevant to young people at different stages of their lives.
“Young people aged 11 to 17 are at very different stages, so we don’t want to take a one-size fits all approach,” Mr Seymour said.
Whether someone is at school, has started an apprenticeship or job, is undertaking further training or education, or is pursuing another pathway, there should be opportunities for them to connect, participate and feel part of their community.
We want young people to have a genuine voice in shaping what the program looks like and the activities that are offered.”
The existing youth program will continue to be facilitated by Kentish House at the Green Room through to and including Thursday 1 October 2026.
From the October 2026 school holidays, Rural Health Tasmania will commence delivery of the new youth program from its site at 1B Henry Street, Sheffield.
Council thanks Kentish House for its contribution over the past eleven years and for its assistance in supporting young people through the transition to the new provider.
Council and RHT look forward to welcoming existing participants and encouraging new young people to get involved in shaping and participating in the program.
Further information about the new program, including activities, session times and how young people can get involved, will be released ahead of the October school holidays.