Welfare 

FREEZA Information Night

We are currently recruiting for our 2016 Freeza program.

Freeza is a free personal development program for young people aged between 15-21 years and is a wonderful opportunity for young people who are interested in gaining more experience or developing skills in the following areas:

• Event management experience - learn to run a cultural event, stage manage, book performers & budget
• Learn to be a leader, make strong decisions and be organised
• Build confidence and people skills
• Learn promotion, marketing and design skills
• Learn about the music industry and develop business skills
• Develop technical skills - PA, lighting & sound desk
• Explore educational and employment pathways into the music/event/marketing industry
• Meet other young people who share the same interests

The program is only available to 12 young people who have connections to Maroondah and can provide fantastic pathways into the event and music industry. Freeza also provides great networking opportunities with industry professionals and gives young people the skills and confidence to work in a team and connect with their peers and the wider community.Once the Freeza group is established participants meet weekly to plan, develop and deliver safe, accessible and affordable events for their community.Quote from one of last years participants 'It was legit the best learning experience and so much fun. You can apply what you learn to the outside world and to jobs as well. I had the best year and I made some great new friends!'Applications close on Friday 19th February. We will also be holding a Freeza information night Tuesday 16th February 6 - 7pm at EV's Youth Centre (212 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon) and invite teachers, parents and students who are interested in Freeza and would like to to know more about the program, meet some Freeza graduates and the Youth Workers who run the program.

Introducing Jessica Thompson

Jessica Thompson attends Ringwood Secondary College weekly on Tuesdays during school terms. Jessica is new to the role of Youth Settlement Worker with the Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne) [MIC], offering case management support and programs to young people aged 12 to 25 years and from a refugee background (living in Australia less than 5 years). MIC Youth Settlement caseworkers like Jessica can assist refugee youth with anything relating to settlement, including navigating education pathways, health issues, accessing social and recreational activities and driving to name a few. Jessica is available and keen to talk with teachers and support staff about any refugee student wellbeing needs. If you are a refugee student and need some support, you can speak to Jessica.

You will find Jessica sitting with the Wellbeing Team at Ringwood SC on Tuesdays completing school outreach as well as in the school yard during recess or lunch engaging with young refugee youth. When not at school, Jessica can be contacted by email JessicaT@miceastmelb.com.au or at The MIC office on 9285 4888 or work mobile 0457 597 043.

Young people from refugee and family stream migrant backgrounds face challenges when they settle in Australia including low English language proficiency and for many refugee youth disrupted schooling and years of displacement prior to their arrival in Australia. The presence of a MIC Youth Settlement Worker at Ringwood Secondary College is one way of supporting the successful settlement and wider inclusion of refugee youth in Ringwood and surrounding areas.

Breakthrough Lilydale

Turning Point, SHARC and Bouverie Family Therapy Centre, are pleased to offer BreakThrough, Ice education for families. This program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services as part of the Victorian Ice Action Plan. Facilitators from Turning Point and SHARC will be delivering four hour education sessions (over one or two days) to families who are concerned about ICE use by a loved one.