Reducing Youth Self Harm (RUSH)
Reducing Youth Self Harm (RUSH) is a mentoring program that targets youth who are 'at risk' of suicide, homelessness, depression, self harm, addictive issues and leaving school early.
Professionally trained adult volunteers help mentor the youth from a number of local high schools including Chatswood High School.
Studies have shown that young people with mentors are less likely to skip school, less likely to be involved in drugs and alcohol, and more likely to trust their parents or guardians. RUSH is run by In 2 Life, a registered charity dedicated to helping young people aged 12-16 years who are disconnected from schooling, and possibly their family and communities.
Dr Brendan Nelson officially opened the Reducing Youth Self Harm (RUSH) Mentoring Centre, in Chatswood, on 21 November 2004. He has been a strong advocate of RUSH’s commitment to supporting young people in times of need and when critical choices are made in their lives.
The Australian government has provided $20,000 to support over 20 students at Chatswood High School through RUSH, and to set up another pilot programme at Seaton High School, in Adelaide.
More information
For more information on RUSH, log on to www.in2life.org.au or telephone (08) 8234 7220