It's called Shine On—a program designed to tackle the challenges facing today's teenagers and young adults head-on. In the ever-evolving landscape of youth development, it's crucial to recognise and respond to the pressing challenges faced by today's teenagers and young adults. Recent statistics from Mission Australia's Youth Survey shed light on the stark realities confronting our community's youth: school-related challenges, mental health difficulties, relationship issues, psychological distress, and chronic loneliness are all too prevalent.
Here are LIVEfree Project we've witnessed firsthand the impact of these challenges on the older students we support and have listened closely to the identified needs highlighted by schools across Newcastle. In response, we're proud to introduce the Shine On program—a vital initiative designed to address these pressing issues head-on.
Building upon the resounding success of our Shine Bright program, Shine On brings a proven track record in fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and healthy relationships among primary-aged children. Through the generous funding from the Mary McKillop Today Foundation, we are proud to have launched the pilot phase of the Shine On program in three Newcastle High Schools, bringing invaluable support and resources to empower youth on their journey towards self-determination and flourishing.With tailored content and strategies, Shine On is uniquely positioned to extend this impact to Newcastle's teenagers and young adults, meeting their critical needs with precision and care.
To tackle these issues comprehensively, Shine On adopts a holistic approach, offering a range of educational programs focused on emotional intelligence development, resilience-building, and healthy relationship skills. These programs provide participants with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood with confidence and grace.
But Shine On is more than just a series of educational workshops—it's a catalyst for community change. By fostering networks of support and resources that extend beyond the program's duration, we're empowering community members to become advocates for change in their neighbourhoods. Through mentorship and leadership programs, we're also nurturing the development of leadership qualities among affected communities, ensuring that the positive impact of Shine On continues long after the funding has concluded.
We are deeply grateful to the Mary McKillop Today Foundation for their unwavering support of this vital initiative. Their alignment with our values and commitment to creating opportunities for self-determination through learning for life makes them the perfect partner for Shine On, and we look forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Newcastle's youth together. With their support and the dedication of our team, we're confident that Shine On will shine brightly, illuminating the path to a brighter future for generations to come.
To learn more about our Shine On program or to explore different ways you can get involved, email us at info@livefreeproject.org.au.
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