+61 450 236 038
Program Overview
Following the launch event, Mai Youth Club will deliver a four-week Kickstart Connections: Youth Wellbeing and Belonging Workshop Series designed to strengthen the social, emotional, physical, and future readiness of young people through engaging, practical, and culturally inclusive activities.
The workshop series adopts a holistic youth development approach by addressing key protective factors linked to improved mental wellbeing and resilience, including:
- Positive identity and self-expression
- Physical health and social connectedness
- Life skills and healthy independence
- Educational engagement and employment readiness
Workshops will be co-designed and co-facilitated by youth mentors, local professionals, and facilitators with lived experience to ensure accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and meaningful youth participation.
Weekly Workshop Program
Week 1
Art & Self-Expression Workshop
Theme: Building Identity, Confidence & Emotional Expression
Purpose
To support young people to explore their identity, express emotions creatively, and build confidence in a safe and inclusive environment.
Activities
- Icebreaker circle with questions and activities
- Painting and drawing and crafting vision board / identity collage
- Guided journaling and self-reflection exercises
- Group discussion on resilience, identity, and strengths
- Optional artwork showcase and peer reflection
Outcomes
- Improved self-awareness and confidence
- Enhanced emotional literacy
- Increased peer connection and belonging
Week 2
Active Living & Team Sports Session
Theme: Physical Wellbeing, Teamwork & Social Connection
Purpose
To promote physical health, teamwork, and positive social engagement through inclusive movement and sport-based activities.
Activities
- Warm-up and icebreaker games
- Team sports / fitness circuit / group challenges
- Reflection on movement and mental wellbeing
- Team-building and leadership exercises
- Potential games of: dodgeball or footy…
Outcomes
- Increased physical activity participation
- Improved teamwork and communication skills
- Strengthened social connectedness
Week 3
Healthy Cooking on a Budget
Theme: Life Skills, Nutrition & Independent Living
Purpose
To build practical life skills and confidence in preparing affordable, healthy meals while fostering social connection.
Activities
- Budget-friendly meal planning activity
- Hands-on cooking workshop
- Nutrition education and food literacy discussion
- Shared group meal and reflection
- Access to food bank
- Creating a sweet treat and savoury snack
Outcomes
- Improved food literacy and healthy eating knowledge
- Increased independent living skills
- Greater confidence in meal preparation and budgeting
Week 4
Future Ready: Career Pathways, Study Skills & Employment Workshop
Theme: Academic Success, Career Exploration & Employment Readiness
Purpose
To equip young people with practical tools and confidence to pursue further education, employment, and career pathways.
Activities
- Career pathway exploration (University, TAFE, apprenticeships, employment)
- Study skills and academic goal-setting session
- Resume and cover letter writing support
- Interview preparation and mock interviews
- Guest speaker / career panel (optional)
Outcomes
- Increased awareness of education and career pathways
- Improved employment readiness and job-seeking skills
- Greater motivation and confidence regarding future goals
Program Delivery Approach
The workshops will be delivered using a strengths-based and youth-led model, ensuring:
Activities are interactive and engaging
Young people have opportunities to shape discussions
Facilitators reflect cultural diversity and lived experience
Sessions are accessible, inclusive, and trauma-informed
