The holiday season can be daunting for many young people. Many people experience escalated anxiety and depression as they are away from their loved ones and do not have a place to go or someone to share the joy with.
Community-based, not-for-profit organisation WCIG’s Transition to Work service hosted its inaugural community BBQ at theCampbellfield Community Centre to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.
WCIG’s Transition to Work (North West Melbourne) works with young people, who face significant challenges, to take the first steps towards a positive future. The service offers a range of supports, including resilience workshops, driving programs and opportunities to connect with other like-minded young people.
Based on the success of this year’s Community BBQ, we are set to make it a major event on Transition to Work’s annual calendar. It will continue to bring young people together to share the joy of the holiday season and counteract some of the adverse effects this time of year can bring. It will encourage young people to build connections with other community organisations and leaders and foster new friendships.
“We want to bring young, disadvantaged people together under one roof, to have a good time and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season. All’s well that starts well,” says Sami Khan, Regional Manager (Transition to Work – North West Melbourne)
The event, held on Monday, 19th December, was attended by many young people, who were joined by local employment providers, support groups and community leaders, including the Mayor of Hume City Council, Joseph Haweil, who shared his inspiration and plans to support young people in the north west over the next 12-24 months.
“To have the Mayor attend the event strengthens our belief that we are well supported, and this is one community”, Mr Khan further said.
