Activities
The LIFT Project has facilitated a variety of programs and events including the Galilee Youth Festival, Felt and Fire Performance Group and the Young Women’s Film Group.
Other activities have included attending the National Gallery of Australia on a weekly basis to engage in a series of workshops. This activity was a major learning experience for some of the young people who had never visited an art gallery before. All participants finished the program with a portfolio of their artworks.
The LIFT Project has been further integrated with the activities of the Galilee School. The young people and staff from the school have worked with Conservation Volunteers on a tree planting project along the Jerrabomberra Creek. Aside from practical skills, young people gain an appreciation of our environment and how and why it should be protected. This activity was made possible by the Student to Industry Program.
Lift success story
Ellie (not her real name) is an ex-Galilee School student contacted by LIFT in the ‘after care’ support procedures. Ellie had been unemployed for some time. She had been receiving Centrelink benefits, but when she failed to attend a scheduled meeting, she was breached and her payment was cut off. Not having the skills to face the situation head on, Ellie decided to try to ignore it.
At the time, Ellie was living in an ACT Community Housing property. Her rent was set up to be directly debited from her bank account. Unfortunately, no work meant no money, and her bank account soon went into arrears. The day-to-day bills piled up, and after a period of five months, her electricity supply was disconnected. Ellie began to ‘couch surf’, relying on friends and acquaintances to help her with basic needs, such as food and showers.
When Ellie was contacted by the LIFT Project, her self esteem was very low and she was disconnected from her life in general, having no motivation to pursue any support networks which might have been available to her. LIFT worked intensively with Ellie by providing encouragement, transport, advocacy and supported links with Centrelink, Essential Services, Housing ACT and Care Financial Services. Ellie’s electricity supply was immediately re-connected and her Centrelink payment restored. Agreements were made between Ellie and both ACTEW and Housing ACT to support and assist her in repaying her debt.
Twelve months on, Ellie has continued to maintain her commitments. Her confidence and self esteem have increased dramatically, where she is now able to cope with any obstacle that confronts her. She has gained a real sense of purpose and self worth.
Ellie has now enrolled in and will soon be starting a Media Studies Course with Charles Darwin University, which will give her the opportunity to travel to remote aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. “I couldn’t have done this without LIFT,” says Ellie. “I was just too far off track to help myself. I can’t say thank you enough.”
Ellie is a true Galilee LIFT Project success story, and we wish her all the best for the bright future ahead. |
LIFT Project
About LIFT
The LIFT Project provides living skills for young people aged 15-21 through peer education, pre-vocational training and personal development. Funded by the Commonwealth Supported Assistance Accommodation Program, the LIFT Project has provided assistance to over 100 young people through group workshops and intensive one on one support, LIFT attempts to develop a sense of independence and to assist in providing opportunities in the community such as education, accommodation and employment.
The LIFT Project aims to focus on participants’ personal achievements by working on improving self-esteem and confidence, raising community awareness and by increasing a sense of belonging for each young person.
LIFT receives client referrals through a number of different avenues including Youth Justice, Community Services and directly through family and friends. LIFT aims to support these young people to increase their knowledge and build their confidence and self reliance to triumph over life situations and challenges. person.
Services
The LIFT Project regularly liaises with community organisations and government agencies and maintains existing partnerships with Yards through CIT, Woden Youth Centre, Sexual Health and Family Planning, Scope and Oasis Youth Refuge. The LIFT Project also works with the students who have left the Galilee School over the last two years to follow up on their progress and offer support and assistance where needed.
Services included support and assistance with regard to:
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housing
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financial issues
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health and/or drug and alcohol concerns
LIFT has been able to provide:
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transport
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advice/information
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advocacy
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liaison and court support
and assistance to obtain:
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housing
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employment
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health/welfare care
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living skills
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personal development and referral to specialist services
Links and Downloads
Contact
Jenni Farrell
Phone: 0423 429 522
Email: jenni.farrell@galilee.org.au