Stepping out into the community at Northam

Northam PCYC staff with seven Stepping Stones participants who attended the celebration lunch.

After a challenging start, with the program being paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Northam’s Stepping Stones had a very successful year. Funded by the Department of Education for 10 participants at any one time, 20 participants attended throughout the year, with six young people planning to return in 2021.

Achievements for 2020 included COVID training and awareness for everyone, I’m Alert Food Safety Training, White Card safety in the construction industry training and the completion of various units of TAFE’s Certificate of General Education.

As preparation for being responsible road users, the Stepping Stones participants attended the RAC’s Project Road Smart at the Northam Recreation Centre and also went through the process of obtaining their learners’ permits.

Preparing for a productive life in the community continued with help to obtain important documents including birth certificates, a Medicare card, tax file number and bank accounts. Lessons on writing resumes and job applications were an integral part of the program.

At the 2020 wind-up celebration, the young people were joined by Northam Youth Policing Officers and representatives from the Shire of Northam, Department of Education and Fresh Start.

Northam PCYC Centre manager Jane Atterby said, “We are very proud of the achievements of all our Stepping Stone participants in 2020. They have overcome a very difficult year to show their resilience and their strength of character.”