New youth worker on the block

• Jacob Shanahan started as the new Dorset Community House youth development officer this week.

November 16, 2022

Dorset Community House (DCH) has welcomed a new face to their team, Jacob Shanahan who will take on the recently created role of youth development officer.

The Scottsdale local said he is looking forward to working alongside youth from all corners of the North-East, from ages 8-25.

Coming from a background in disability support and community engagement, Mr Shanahan has been volunteering at the Community House assisting with their youth and school holiday programs.

“This role is based around engagement for youth based around being in a broad, isolating area. There is a lack of opportunities to engage in stuff,” he said.

“I’ll firstly be focussing on getting some engagement and introducing more opportunities to local young people.”

From next week Mr Shanahan will be visiting schools, getting feedback from Dorset’s adults of tomorrow around the programs and resources they would like access to.

He is looking to help young people develop self-advocacy and leadership skills.

Mr Shanahan said he would have liked to have a mentor figure like this youth officer in his life when he was young.

“Trying to figure it out all by yourself can be a slow and daunting process,” he said.

“I hope this role is massively beneficial, at least a large portion of kids to have a bit of support as they get there.”

Mr Shanahan said DCH is looking at recruiting another youth development officer in the near future, who will work alongside him in the community.

He said he is looking forward to building rapport with young people throughout Dorset.

“As much as I’m trying to identify their strengths and what they need, helping them to find their own strengths can be really rewarding too. That’s probably my favourite part,” he said.

“And sharing in successes is another highlight too.”