Youth Support + Advocacy Service

Opioids are drugs that slow down communication between the brain and body, creating effects like pain relief, relaxation and drowsiness.

If you’re taking opioids don’t forget to have Naloxone handy. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. You can get it for free from participating pharmacies in Australia or from the service (you can also get your drugs checked here!). The Victorian government is also in the process of installing free Naloxone vending machines around the state.

If you need alcohol or other drug support for yourself or a loved one YoDAA is Victoria’s Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice service who can help connect you to the support you need. Give them a call on 1800 458 685 from Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or head to yodaa.org.au for more info 💟

Ever heard of a Third Place?📍

A Third Place is somewhere that’s not home, school or work. Think libraries, parks, cafes, shopping centres or community hubs. They’re welcoming, easy to access, comfortable, and most importantly, places where you feel like you belong.

At YSAS, we know how important connection and community can be, which is why we offer our own Third Places for young people.

💚 Third Place Dandenong is a free youth drop-in and community space for people aged 12–25 and their families. Drop in for activities, practical support, free groceries, training opportunities, or simply a place to connect with others. You can call (03) 9701 3488 for more info.

💜 Abbotsford Day Program is a place where young people who use drugs and alcohol can drop in to rest and recover. It’s a welcoming, judgment-free space where young people can rest, recharge, grab a meal, have a shower, meet new people and access support when they need it. Call (03) 9415 1698 for more info.
 
Both Third Place Dandenong and the Abbotsford Day Program are substance tolerant spaces, meaning young people can show up under the influence, as long as this is not creating behaviours that pose a risk to others or themselves.

Reducing harm starts with having the right information📚

Swipe to find out some simple tips to help keep yourself and your friends safer the next time you’re using alcohol or other drugs ➡️

If you’re looking for support with alcohol or drug use, YoDAA is here to help. YoDAA is Victoria’s free Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice service, connecting young people with the support and information they need.

📞 Call 1800 458 685 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)
🌐 Visit yodaa.org.au (link in bio)

Are you a caregiver looking for support, connection and practical advice? Join us at our next Caregiver Support Group on Tuesday 9th June 💛

This month’s session will focus on Neurodiversity & Navigating Support Services, including school supports, NDIS, GPs and more.

Hosted by YSAS Dandenong in partnership with Family Life and headspace Dandenong, this free in-person group offers a welcoming space for caregivers to connect, share experiences and explore challenges together. You’ll also hear from professionals and learn practical parenting strategies you can use at home.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who it’s for: Parents, family members and important people in the lives of children and young people aged 0–25
📍 Where: Third Place @ YSAS Dandenong in the Dandenong Hub, Level 3, 26 McCrae St, Dandenong
🕠 When: Tuesday 9th June, 4.45pm–6.15pm
🔎 Topic: Neurodiversity & Navigating Support Services
☕ Coffee, tea and light refreshments provided
🎟️ Tickets are free but limited – registration is essential (link in bio)

For more information, contact Thishya Abeyanayake on (03) 9770 0341.

Today on National Sorry Day, YSAS acknowledges the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their families, communities and cultures through government policies and practices.
 
We honour the strength, resilience and leadership of the Stolen Generation survivors, their families and communities, and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of trauma, loss and disconnection that continue to be felt across generations.
 
This year’s campaign from is ‘From Sorry to Action’, which outlines critical priorities and tangible actions needed to progress the long-outstanding recommendations of the 1997 Bringing them home report. Nearly three decades later, many of the needs identified by Stolen Generations survivors, including health and wellbeing support, records access, redress, education, research and sector sustainability, remain unmet.
 
Saying sorry matters. But sorry without action is not enough.
 
Real change requires leadership, accountability and urgent action to address the ongoing impacts of removal, trauma and disconnection experienced by First Nations peoples.
 
At YSAS, we stand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in recognising truth, listening to lived experience, and supporting meaningful change toward healing and reconciliation.
 

IDAHOBIT Day is this Sunday May 17th, so to celebrate we’re hosting a morning tea with at the Abbotsford Day Program☕️🌼🏳️‍🌈

This event is for young people aged 16-25, come along from 11am-12pm for some trivia and cake🍰

You can register for this free event now via the link in our bio!🩷

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