BushMob: Helping youth get back on track

BushMob’s intention is clear – they want young people in Central Australia who have lost their way to make some positive choices in their lives.

 The Alice Springs-based organisation helps young men and women between the ages of 12 and 25 to reconnect with their culture to help them overcome alcohol and substance abuse problems.

 As its vision says: “Journeys are made in Central Australia by and for young people to get the self-respect, trust, courage and skills to have a good life—because grog, sniffing, drugs and crime are no good”.

 One of the ways BushMob assists people is through its bush adventure therapy program.

 Alice Springs local Chris Ryder is a case worker at BushMob and was riding horses before he could walk.

 He teaches young people bush skills and how to ride and care for horses as a way for them to heal and get their lives back on track.

 Chris says it’s all about the participants and horses respecting each other.

 “I get them in the yard and get to know the horse, touch them, pat them and walk around with them,” Chris said.

 “When the young fellas and the horses get together, it’s like a relationship, so everything works good.”