EDYS Expression Initiative back for another year!

Our Engadine District Youth Services (EDYS) team, last year introduced a new program called “Expression Initiative”, which provided a range of free after school activities for local young people aged 12-18 years. This engaging and hands-on therapeutic initiative aims to support young people to build resilience and strategies to navigate their thoughts, feelings and emotions through creative outlets.

Structured sessions held at EDYS following drop-in afternoons, Wednesday to Friday include art, music, mindfulness, meditation and yoga. Last year over 250 young people participated in the program, so after great attendance and success in the first year, Sutherland Shire Council has generously again committed funding to this program throughout 2020 so that we are able to continue helping young people in the Shire grow.

Each session works to promote self-confidence and build resilience, and develop coping mechanisms, helping young people to better navigate the world, process their feelings, and feel positive about the future.

If you have a teen aged 12-18 who is interested, contact the EDYS team on 9548 2734. Drop in's welcome, but places guaranteed for people who book! Best of all, it's FREE!

Latest

Mums and Bubs Yoga Term 2 (2024) *Open to Sutherland Shire Residents Only

Build Strength, reduce stress and meet new people while engaging with your bub in this Yoga class for Mums and Bubs, held at Jannali on Monday mornings. The cost for the term (8 classes) is $80.
Tuning into Teens Abridged - Commencing 7 May 2024 *SUTHERLAND SHIRE RESIDENTS ONLY

The Family Co. is offering an abridged version of the popular Tuning in to Teens program. This 4-week parent education workshop series helps parents of tweens/teens aged 10-18 years reduce conflict, increase communication, and recognise, understand and respond to their teenager's emotions as well as their own. The group starts on Tuesday 7th May 2024 from 6-8pm and will be held at The Family Co. in Jannali. Please note this program is for SUTHERLAND SHIRE RESIDENTS ONLY
Circle of Security for First Nations Families

The Circle of Security Parenting program is an 7 week parenting course, offered FREE by The Family Co and Lilli Pilli Counselling. The course is held each Thursday from 16th May - 27th June from 10am - 12:00pm at South Sydney PTS. This is specifically for you if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have children that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Creating Partnerships with Impact

The Family Co. has cultivated a profound and enduring partnership with Southern Waters Legal that goes beyond mere financial support to create impact in the community

New angel mural kicks off the Pieces of Engadine initiative

The EDYS team delivered the Pieces of Engadine Initiative in late 2020, with local youths engaged in creating the public street art in conjunction with local artist, funded by Sutherland Shire Council's Community Grants program. The new "Angel mural" is a social media favourite amongst local teens.
EDYS Announces Term 4 Program

EDYS has announced their Term 4 Programming, with each day offering a varied activities around their standard afternoon social space. Teens aged 12-18 are welcome to attend. Call the EDYS team on 9548 2734 or email [email protected] for more info.
Love Bites is Back in Action At Sylvania High

It was great to be back in schools, following our Covid shutdown of many programs - with the Love Bites team returning to Sylvania High School in September. This Respectful Relationship Program was enjoyed by over 100 Year 10 students.
September 2020 School Holiday Program Announced

We have a great line-up of School Holiday activities this coming September/ October School Holidays, so put us in your diary, and come do some fun stuff with us! From fitness classes, to art & craft, gardening, Escape Room & Trivia - EDYS will keep you busy while you take a break from the books!
We're Back! Afternoon Social Space Drop In is back on!

EDYS Social Space is now back! With Covid-safe measures in place, new staff and exciting programs on the agenda, there's no better time to come back to EDYS and check things out! Social Space Drop in is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2:30pm - 5pm.
EDYS announce July School Holiday prorgam

Engadine District Youth Services announced our July School Holiday program,. offering fantastic free activities Tuesday - Friday each dau from 11am - 1pm.
EDYS Drop In Temporarily Suspended

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Until further notice EDYS Drop-In is suspended to ensure we are protecting our community. This includes our EDYS Expression Initiative programs. Staff are on-site and available for individual support in person or by phone if required.
Respectfully Curious Support for LBGTIQ+ Youth

Respectfully Curious is a weekly support and social group for LGBTIQ+ young people and their allies to come together to talk, learn and be their authentic selves in a safe, inclusive and respectful space, without fear or judgement.
EDYS Celebrates EDYS TV achievements with End of Year Party

The EDYS Team celebrated their end of year achievements, and recognised all participants who contributed to EDYS TV by hosting a party on Friday, 13th December 2019
Walk The Walls 2019

In November last year, in partnership with Sutherland Shire Council, EDYS hosted a 2 day workshop in the leadup to the "Walk the Walls" Festival, giving young artists an opportunity to design and create an art piece to contribute to the festival.

Group Programs Schedule

Each term, we publish a calendar of events for programs we offer. This includes our Parenting Support Programs, Early Childhood and Educational Support Programs and Domestic Violence Support Programs.
About Us

We exist because all children and families should have a safe home, strong connections and opportunities to thrive in life.
How to Refer

Help is easy to access. You can be referred by a health professional or another agency, or self-refer. Just call us on (02) 9528 2933 and tell us what you need help with.
Family Caseworker Program

Family Workers provide assistance to families who, for a variety of reasons, would benefit from additional support.
Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to help us! We're a lean and specialised team, and while we don't allow volunteers in client facing capacities, we are very grateful to have volunteers who can assist with admin, marketing and events. If you're interested, we'd love to hear from you!
About Toolbox Talks

Find out more about the Toolbox Talks Project - How it started, our goals, and what we've already achieved.
Learning about Australian Animals sparks joy in Djanaba kids

Last week the Djanaba Occasional Care team integrated a learning unit on Australian Animals, with the children showing great interest in the varied activities from reading, to art, to games, that helped them learn all about koalas, kangaroos, and other native fauna.
Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

The Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (SSWDVCAS) provides information, advocacy and referrals for women and families attending Sutherland and Kogarah Local Courts for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.
Play and Connect

Play and Connect is a free playgroup for families with children aged 0-5, and operates every Thursday morning during school terms at The Family Co centre in Jannali. This supportive group provides opportunity for families to connect with their child through fun, interactive activities, sensory play and art.
Youth Programs & Services

The Family Co. Youth Services offer information, support and programs for young people, schools and families. Our experienced staff aim to support young people to strengthen and foster relationships and develop resilience and life skills. We offer a range of programs and services that help young people become self-aware, understand and explore their potential, and be present and connected in their community.