We are grateful to be among the 2024 recipients of Women NSW and the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways grant.
This grant has allowed us to take up important work supporting young women in the community and youth justice with our Stand As One mentoring program.
It is the first time this mentoring program has been available to young women in custody in NSW. The program has been available to young men in youth justice centres for over a decade.
Stand As One is a holistic, strengths-based mentoring program that supports young people with complex, overlapping life challenges to re-engage with the community, their education and employment so that they can thrive.
A mentor works with young people while they are in custody, during the transition period back into the community, and post-release. The mentor provides guidance and emotional support as well as practical support including with finding housing, employment and enrolling in study.
The young women participating in the program have engaged with it enthusiastically, particularly enjoying the group sessions.
A highlight for many participants has been creating a massive mural artwork together for the youth centre to display.
“They’ve been going really well,” their mentor said, “they are so proud of what we are achieving individually and together and with the artwork.
“I am working with the girls to help them stay positive and focused so they can get out, get a job, and stay out.”
Thank you to staff at the youth centre in NSW we are working inside; the support has been incredible.
Thank you to the NSW Government and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison for funding this program.
Working on the mural.
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I am working with the girls to help them stay positive and focused so they can get out, get a job, and stay out.