Stepping up to support youth

A YOUTH mentoring program was launched at Clunes Neighbourhood House last week.

Clunes is one of three national locations delivering the Ladder Project Foundation’s Step Up program.

The initiative is a collaboration between Ladder and Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services and is designed to help guide and develop people aged between 15 and 25 looking for employment.

Clunes Neighbourhood House manager Lana de Kort said the program encourages young people to learn valuable skills while having fun.

“The Ladder Step Up program is a great vehicle for tapping into what young people want to do,” she said.

“The partnership between Clunes Neighbourhood House, Ladder and Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services allows us to provide wrap around services and create local connections.

“This will create significant results in a small town like Clunes.”

Ladder, which is the official charity of the AFL Players’ Association, mentors young people in the areas of goal setting, independence, building connections, employment planning, and health and wellbeing.

Current AFLW Collingwood player Brittany Bonnici and former AFL footballer and current Melbourne Renegades cricketer Guy Walker are leading participants.

The Step Up program is anticipated to expand in 2022, with Clunes to be one of several locations in across the Central Highlands involved.

Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services, based in Melton, is involved as part of the State Government’s Jobs Victoria initiative that aims to get more people across the state into meaningful employment.