Utilising unique approaches to education in Wyndham. 

Sep 25, 2018

At Whitelion in Wyndham, we recognise that not everyone learns in the same way. Some people learn by seeing, some people learn by hearing and some people learn by doing. That’s why we developed the WRAP (Wyndham Resilience Adventure Program).

Through WRAP, we are able to provide experiential learning opportunities to high-risk and disengaged young people. We operate WRAP within some really important practice frameworks, such as: trauma-informed, people-centred and strengths-based practice to deliver adventure therapy-based activities.

We’ve run sessions such as hiking at the You Yangs, equine therapy and a boxing program. These are all fun activities, however they all combine elements of learning. Participants learn about things like teamwork, leadership, wellbeing, community and conflict resolution. They learn skills to not only help themselves, but also learn skills to help their peers along the way too.

The young people who participate often come from some pretty complex backgrounds – some display offending behaviours, some have mental health concerns, some misuse drugs and alcohol and some have experienced family violence or other trauma in their lives. WRAP is a really complete way of building their confidence, as well as helping to build their insight too.

We make sure that we provide the young people with plenty of follow up support too, we’re always available for case management for those who need it.

One of the young people who has participated in WRAP came along with a list of offending behaviours, outstanding legal concerns and concerns around their mental health and ability to manage their anger. This young person has since been able to rationalise their situation, and begin to address some of these issues with the support of WRAP.