Grand Plaza in partnership with yourtown are working to deliver an interactive and educational YOUth Matters program. This program will be aimed at improving engagement and support to young people accessing the centre. 

Action, learning, research and evaluation approach.

Continuous assessment to understand the specific needs and interests of the various stakeholders, in particular the young people. This may involve interviewing and conducting focus groups with the various stakeholders who will benefit and be involved in the program, as well as creating inventory mapping support services and programs within the local area.

Assessment and inventory of programs and services to make decisions about the program based on the findings from the community. This is a critical part of the co-design process and would involve representatives from the stakeholder groups including young people.

Review of the specific program components, which may include the development of program theory, outlining the inputs, activities and outcomes. Consideration of culture, gender and developmental needs may also form the program design.

The aim of the YOUth Matters program is to engage with young people accessing Grand Plaza who are not involved in education, training or employment. The nine-week program will be tailored to each group and explore the goals of the individuals as well as focus on skill development and engagement within the local community.

The free program aims to provide access to core life skills workshops, focusing on interactive personal development workshops and goal setting.

Community guest speakers, along with Centre Management representatives and centre retailers, will connect and address the group to build the young people’s connection to local opportunities and support services. yourtown’s support services for job seeking, school engagement and training programs are invaluable in this relationship.

The program will be delivered weekly, with the youth being supported by a case manager to engage in full time education, training and employment.

This program has the ability for youth to enrol at any stage during the first six weeks (i.e. if spaces become available) as they can roll into the next intake to complete modules missed.

To register your interest in the Grand Plaza YOUth Matters Program click here

Please provide the following details:

• Name
• Email
• Phone