Safe Aboriginal Youth (SAY) Program

The Safe Aboriginal Youth (SAY) Program supports Aboriginal young people in Tamworth who may be at risk of harm or justice system involvement. Funded by Youth Justice NSW and delivered by Winanga-li, the program provides both after-hours patrol support and structured activities that build positive pathways for young people aged 12 to 18.

SAY aims to keep young people safe, reduce risk-taking behaviour and strengthen wellbeing. The program combines two core streams:

• SAY Patrol: staff engage with young people in public places after hours, offering safety checks, guidance, and transport home or to a safe place.
• SAY Activities: structured programs, mentoring and cultural activities that build life skills, confidence and positive future pathways.

The program offers a culturally safe, respectful approach that supports young people to stay strong in identity and connected to community.

Support may include:

• After-hours safety patrols and welfare checks
• Safe transport home or to a safe place
• Yarning, mentoring and relationship building
• Life skills workshops and recreational activities
• Cultural programs and identity strengthening
• Help accessing health, education, training and support services
• Guidance around positive choices and behaviour

SAY focuses on supporting young people during times of increased vulnerability, helping them stay safe and connected.

The SAY Program supports Aboriginal young people aged 12 to 18 who:

• Are out in the community after hours
• Are at risk of harm, vulnerability or unsafe environments
• Would benefit from youth engagement and support
• Need help building positive pathways and connections

Young people may be supported through:

• Engagement with SAY Patrol
• Self-referral
• Family referral
• Youth services
• Police
• Schools
• Youth Justice NSW