Supporter Magazine: Spring 2020

Helping young jobseekers tackle unemployment

Her exposure to the panel discussions was a source of inspiration and Chloe has since enrolled in a Certificate IV in Youth Work. Chloe said the experience has been a “big motivator” both professionally and personally, with Transition to Work having a positive impact on her mental health. “Without the program I’d be a lot more reserved, a lot more depressed – my mental health would be incredibly worse than what it is. I’ve got a lot more confidence in myself now.” Transition to Work is a Federal Government-funded employment service that helps young people (15-24) on their journey to employment. It provides intensive, pre-employment support to improve their work-readiness and help them into work (including apprenticeships and traineeships) or education.

Young Australians are being disproportionately impacted by the effects of COVID-19 job losses due to the industries they often work in. With retail and hospitality businesses badly hit by the pandemic, there are fears young people will be hurting for years to come. Adelaidean Chloe (19) lost her part-time job after taking time out of university and has found it challenging to find more work. “Job opportunities have dropped off,” she said. “I think the biggest thing I’m struggling with at the moment is that employers want young people – but young people that have experience.” Chloe is far from alone, with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data revealing that the youth unemployment rate in July sits at 16.3 percent, up from 12 percent at the start of 2020.

Her story echoes that of many young people receiving support through AnglicareSA’s Transition to Work program. Through Transition to Work, Chloe was offered a traineeship opportunity, which culminated in being invited by AnglicareSA to participate in an interview panel for new youth development positions.

Haircut for homelessness

“I have a huge passion for helping the homeless and donating to charities when I can,” Tom said. “The last few weeks with all this virus chaos, now more than ever is a time to help people less fortunate. “There has been a lot of talk about ‘community’ and how we need to stick together and help each other, and this

A local Adelaide man’s ‘haircut for homelessness’ demonstrates the inspirational generosity and kindness in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. After going nearly eight years without a haircut, Tom Blackett (28) started a social media campaign to raise money and awareness for homelessness, which culminated in him cutting his hair and beard in May this year. Tom raised $3,300 for AnglicareSA’s Elizabeth Mission, which provides food, blankets and other vital emergency support to people experiencing homelessness.

is my way of giving back to our area, our people and our home.” Tom’s selfless generosity will go a long way in providing immediate support and raising important awareness for those who are struggling during winter and the pandemic.

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