By Ewen McRae
Melton Secondary College students have teamed up with a local charity to help youth homeless get back on their feet.
Students from the college’s VCAL program have formed a partnership with Hope Street Youth and Family Services, and last week gave out free haircuts and resume assistance for Hope Street clients.
One of the students, Tahlia, said it was good to use the skills learned in their VCAL studies in a practical way, while also helping the community.
“It’s part of one of our units, to focus on homelessness, so we wanted to do something for the community locally,” she said.
“A haircut and a bit of a makeover can make such a big difference to someone’s confidence when looking for a job, so it ticks two boxes.”
Hope Street team leader Tegan Tregea said it was great to see such enthusiasm from young people in the community.
“For us, it certainly raises awareness not only around the agency but, I guess, also around the barriers that young people who are experiencing homelessness face,” Ms Tregea said.
“It’s been quite a good journey for us, and hopefully it’s something we can maintain.
“A lot of people who present to us are either at risk or currently experiencing homelessness, and employment is generally a barrier that a young person needs assistance in obtaining.
“So for Melton Secondary to work with some of our young people around developing a professional resume will only enhance the opportunity for them to seek employment and sustain accommodation.”
