Young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Perth will receive extra support to find a job thanks to the Australian Government’s Innovation Fund.
The Minister for Employment Participation, Kate Ellis today announced almost $100 000 in funding for Anglicare Western Australia’s Foyer Oxford – Interim Foyer project, which will help participants with accommodation, education opportunities and sustainable employment options.
“The Innovation Fund harnesses the energy, the passion and – as the name suggests – the innovation, of Australians to come up with new ideas for how we can better support unemployed people to find work” Ms Ellis said.
“This new Perth based project will trial the internationally renowned ‘Foyer’ support service model to help young job seekers, aged 16 to 25, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”
“The ‘Foyer’ model delivers stable accommodation and other support to young homeless job seekers on the basis that they continue to participate in education, training or employment.”
“But a ‘Foyer’ is more than just bricks and mortar - it’s a holistic approach to supporting young people who are homeless until they are able to stand on their own.”
Participants will connect with employment services, health, drug and alcohol services, and positive parenting services for those with children. And all while living in a stable, secure environment, which we know is an important, but frequently difficult, first step along the path to finding a job.
Each project participant will develop an individual learning plan and receive case managed support to set and achieve goals in education, sustainable employment and independent living.
Minister Ellis met with Anglicare in Western Australia today, to deliver the good news of this funding grant in person. She commended the staff who will be running this program on the importance of their work, telling them that having a job means so much more than a pay packet for young people.
“A job brings with it a sense of confidence, a sense of pride in one’s work and contribution and importantly a sense of connectedness to the local community,” Ms Ellis said.
This project is one of 77 funded through the Australian Government’s $41 million Innovation Fund program that was designed to support innovative strategies to help disadvantaged job seekers find and retain employment. The fund also contributes to the achievement of the Australian Government’s Social Inclusion Agenda.
For more information on the Innovation Fund visit: www.deewr.gov.au/innovationfund
