Whilst in Alaska I had the opportunity to visit the POWER Center (Alaska Behavioural Health), a youth drop-in center based in Anchorage.
The POWER Center is staffed by Peer Outreach Workers, whose lived experience informs their work with young people.
The Center offers help and support to individuals between the ages of 13 and 23. It aims to create a safe space for young people to interact with their peers and offers access to resources and education, in addition to practical assistance.
The drop-in center has kitchen facilities, providing free meals and cooking lessons. It also has a laundry, showers, clothing closet and free hygiene products. There are computers with internet access, Xbox, movies and art materials.
The POWER Center provides a number of groups and activities in conjunction with Alaska Seeds of Change (vocational program). These include groups on healthy relationships, sleep hygiene and self-esteem, as well as more activity focused groups such as baking; cooking; art and a weekly games day. Peer led presentations are offered on a variety of different topics ranging from mental health issues to job skills.
Peer Outreach Workers are on hand to talk to and to help connect young people with community resources and mental health services where applicable. Peer Outreach Workers also go out into the community to offer support and practical assistance to young people and to raise awareness of the Center.
I valued the Center's focus on community and outreach, in addition to the offer of a safe space and practical assistance.
(With thanks to the POWER Center workers and to Jessica Cochran, Alaska Behavioural Health, for organising the visit)
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