Recently, the SHINE for Kids team delivered cooking and beauty sessions to girls in youth custody, creating opportunities for the group to build trust and their relationship with their mentor, strengthen their connections with each other, and develop some practical life skills.
Designed to support confidence, teamwork and positive relationships, the sessions also encouraged the girls to explore new interests and imagine future possibilities beyond custody.
From interest to learning: Samatha*
The cooking session was met with huge enthusiasm! As the group worked together to make protein balls, conversations flowed about ingredients, nutrition and healthy choices.
One participant, Samantha*, quickly stood out for her curiosity in all things cooking and health related. With a strong interest in fitness, she asked some thoughtful questions about ingredient substitutions, adding protein to meals and how to measure fat content. She wanted to understand more how food fuels the body and how different choices can make foods healthier.
Samantha’s enthusiasm was contagious, sparking conversations among the group and encouraging others to engage more with the activity. She, along with many of the girls, shared that they would love to have more cooking and food-based sessions in the future.
These practical skills will not only help the girls look after themselves when they return to the community, in some cases like with Samatha*, inspired interests that could lead to training or work opportunities in the future.
Finding the confidence to take part: Cara*
The makeup and skincare session offered the girls the opportunity to learn more about the booming beauty business.
With step-by-step instructions laid out and an inviting range of products ready to explore, the session drew everyone in.
Some girls jumped straight in, while others watched cautiously from the sidelines. One of those observing quietly was Cara*, who rarely speaks or joins group activities. Naturally shy, Cara often needs support to participate, but after about 20 minutes, to the team’s delight, she chose to join in this session on her own.
As she explored face masks and skincare routines, Cara’s curiosity blossomed. She asked questions about skin types and beauty treatments. She even began to open up about her own hopes for the future towards the end of the session, sharing with our team that she enjoys reading, in particular poetry.
For a young person who had previously barely spoken, this moment of connection and self-expression marked a turning point. Our team is keen to work more closely with Cara and see where these newfound and newly revealed interests can lead.
Small moments making an impact
Across both sessions, the atmosphere was warm, supportive and inclusive. The girls encouraged one another, worked as a team and showed kindness in small but meaningful ways, like making sure there were enough biscuits left for a quieter participant, so no one missed out.
The centre staff and the girls alike eagerly asked when the next sessions would be held, showing just how valued these moments of connection and learning have become. The SHINE for Kids team looks forward to continuing these sessions and supporting the girls as their confidence grows and their interests take shape, helping them build skills, relationships and hope for the future.
*Please note that the names of young people have been changed to protect confidentiality
Women NSW support this program.
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