Hunter Valley: Help yourself by helping others

Hunter based charity Youth Express works with families, businesses, schools and the wider community to help young people build confidence through career and skill development support programs.
Their Links to Learning program focuses on students at risk of leaving school early or of disengaging from learning entirely.

As part of this program, 60 young people from five Hunter schools have recently undertaken a 15-week intervention training to support their re-engagement at school and in the community. Their tasks included creating youth and family homeless packs, which will now be distributed to community organisations across the Hunter region.

The packs contain essential goods and educational resources that are vital for families and young people who have been impacted by homelessness, domestic violence or the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Local businesses donated over $5,000 worth of goods to be included in the packs, which Youth Express employees presented to Newcastle-based educator, Fiona Provost, from St Laurence Alternative Learning Centre on 25 June.

The project allowed participants to recognise the importance of selflessness and of giving back to the community. They took pride in helping others and in showing compassion and empathy – developing skills that are equally essential for a successful professional and personal life.

Youth Express would like to thank the community partners who have generously supported the program by donating their products: Bombora Coffee & Water Supplies, TrendPac, Bunnings Maitland, Crowne Plaza,Ken Lane Menswear, McDonalds, Rydges, Sprouting Health, Superstrike Bowling, Department of Family Planning, Headspace Maitland and Tamaruke Therapy Dogs Australia.

Find out more at www.youthexpress.com.au.

Read more community news in the Spring edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.