Innovation Fund projects help achieve the Australian Government’s Social Inclusion Agenda by supporting strategies to help disadvantaged job seekers on their pathway to employment.

One such project delivered by Southern Youth and Family Services is an integrated accommodation and learning centre which combines safe, supported accommodation with intensive education, training and pre-employment support to improve vulnerable young peoples’ living situation. Southern Youth and Family Services staff the accommodation services and provide a safe environment for young people until they are ready for independence. Staff mentor the young people, such as those pictured, Ally, Daniel, Cassimo and Nakkiah, and in turn they mentor new arrivals.

A new case management project is linked to the Southern Youth and Family Services Foyer site and is receiving funding totalling $1.3 million under the Innovation Fund. The funding will support young people and provide holistic support with an emphasis on education, training and pre-employment support to at risk, disadvantaged and homeless young people aged 15-24 years from the Illawarra region.

‘The Innovation Fund has given me the opportunity to access programs and equipment to express myself in a way that would normally be out of reach’ Cassimo said.

Through the Innovation Fund 270 young people who face a range of barriers, some of which are unemployment, leaving school early, mental health issues and disabilities will receive additional support.

Recently, the project’s participants had the opportunity to undertake a Media Course where, over six weeks, the students created, produced and edited two short films based on topics such as music, racism, news items, global warming and green house effects.

Daniel, one of the participants said that the ‘program has provided me with an opportunity to learn and express myself creatively and to gain the qualifications required in finding a job that I want.’

The services that the young people receive are coordinated with Job Service Australia providers, Centrelink, training organisations, accommodation and housing, youth, legal and health agencies all working together.  The partnerships between these agencies are central to the success of young people achieving their goals.