Drug Education Support Services (DESS)

JYSS employs a Drug Education Support Worker to assist young people that access any service within JYSS.

The worker is available for one to one counselling or support sessions with a focus on education and harm minimisation.

The worker also runs group education sessions within the education and accommodation services as well as conducting alternative recreation activities.

Additionally, information, support and referrals can be provided to families and employers or trainers.

In 2008 The Drug Education Support Service (DESS) program supported 62 young people to increase their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved with using alcohol and other drugs, as well as strategies to minimise their substance use.

Of these young people 87% attended at least 2 individual sessions, 1 group education session or 1 group recreational activity and the majority reported the sessions where informative and made them more aware of how alcohol and drugs can affect their lives.

Access Information

DESS is available to any young person currently accessing another service within JYSS.

Community Support

DESS currently receives support from the Drug & Alcohol Office and the community partner FebFast.

To discuss how your business can support DESS please contact our Organisational Development Manager on (08) 9300 2677 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it