Supporting a Young Person’s Journey Home

At Platform Youth Services, we understand that every young person’s journey is unique. For one 16-year-old male referred to Katoomba House in August, this journey involved navigating the challenges of ADHD, family breakdown, and struggles at school. His story highlights the importance of tailored support, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to helping young people find stability.

A Challenging Start

This young person faced significant difficulties in both his home and school environments. Diagnosed with ADHD and struggling with inconsistent medication use, his behaviours had begun to escalate, contributing to tensions at home. After living with his father until early 2024, he moved in with his aunt and cousins, but the same behavioural issues eventually arose, leading to his referral to Katoomba House.

Building Connections and Support Systems

From the start, Katoomba House staff recognised the importance of addressing the young person’s needs holistically. Staff engaged regularly with his school to manage behaviours and support his learning. The school worked collaboratively, sending assessments to help staff better understand his challenges and tailor their support.

To address his ADHD, staff assisted the young person in attending psychologist and medical appointments. These efforts led to a medication review and adjustments that aimed to stabilise his behaviour and enhance his daily functioning.

Creating a Restoration Plan

Rebuilding the young person’s relationship with his father became a central focus. A restoration plan was developed to gradually reintegrate him into the family home. This plan included shared dinners at his father’s house, with the goal of progressing to overnight and weekend stays.

During his time at Katoomba House, staff worked with the young person to build essential living and communication skills. He took pride in his achievements, including learning to cook homemade chicken schnitzel—a dish he was excited to prepare for his father during one of their planned dinners.

Navigating Challenges and Adapting Plans

While progress was made, challenges arose. The young person struggled to find his identity among the more street-savvy residents at Katoomba House, and the restoration plan did not move as quickly as initially hoped. The distance between Katoomba House and his school and family also became a barrier to consistent engagement and progress.

After seven weeks at Katoomba House, an opportunity arose for the young person to transfer to The Siding at Marist, a location closer to his school and both his father and aunt. This move offered a better chance of successful restoration, reducing logistical barriers and fostering stronger connections with his family.

A Collaborative Transition

The Katoomba House staff ensured a smooth transition by providing Marist with the young person’s case and restoration plans. This allowed the new team to continue the work seamlessly, supporting his journey toward returning home.

A Brighter Future

This young person’s story is a testament to the importance of tailored support, collaboration, and adaptability in helping young people overcome challenges. By addressing his needs holistically and prioritising family connections, Platform Youth Services demonstrated its commitment to empowering young people and fostering lasting change.

#BreakingTheCycleofHomelessness

Supporting Complex Needs with Care and Connection

At Platform Youth Services, we are committed to supporting young people through some of life’s most challenging moments. This case study highlights the journey of a resilient 20-year-old woman from Emu Plains, navigating the complexities of mental health, housing instability, and the impact of domestic violence.

A Story of Resilience

This young woman’s journey has been shaped by significant challenges, including a complex mental health history that includes suicidal ideation and an extended hospitalisation interstate. Recently discharged from care, she found herself temporarily staying with a friend, with limited options for stable housing and an uncertain future ahead.

Adding to her difficulties is a background of family domestic violence, which has left her without the safety net of family support. Despite these hardships, she has shown incredible resilience, earning certificates in Hospitality and Business and beginning nursing training, which she had to pause due to her mental health struggles. Her determination to pursue education and employment speaks volumes about her character, even as her ongoing mental health challenges disrupt her ability to maintain consistent work.

A Tailored Approach to Care

Given her complex needs, Platform Youth Services recognised that her situation required specialised support beyond what we could directly provide. We approached her case with a focus on ensuring she received the care and resources necessary to build a more stable future.

Our team worked collaboratively with her to identify services equipped to meet her unique needs. One critical connection was made with the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Service (CPS) through Flourish Australia. This program is specifically designed for individuals with severe mental health challenges who are not covered by the NDIS.

The CPS program offers a personalised approach, helping individuals like this young woman develop independence, safety, and meaningful connections within the community. By fostering productivity and reducing the reliance on acute care, the program supports young people in rebuilding their lives with dignity and purpose.

The Power of Connection

This case highlights the importance of collaboration and a holistic approach to care. Platform Youth Services played a crucial role in ensuring this young woman did not fall through the cracks. By identifying the right services, facilitating referrals, and providing a supportive transition, we helped her take steps towards a safer and more stable future.

Our commitment extends beyond immediate housing support. For young people with complex needs, it’s about offering compassion, listening deeply, and ensuring they feel seen and supported. While we couldn’t directly provide accommodation in this instance, we ensured she was connected to the resources and programs that could meet her specific needs.

A Commitment to Dignity and Hope

At Platform Youth Services, we believe every young person deserves a chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances. This story is a testament to the resilience of young people facing immense challenges and the power of community-driven support to guide them towards brighter horizons.

We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure no young person is left behind. By listening, adapting, and connecting, we’re empowering hope—one story at a time.

#BreakingTheCycleofHomelessness

Building Bridges Through Aboriginal Culture:
The “Cultural Connections” Program

In October, the Aboriginal Engagement Team at Platform Youth Services joined forces with YES Employment to launch the “Cultural Connections” program, a meaningful initiative aimed at empowering young people through the rich traditions and stories of Aboriginal culture.

The program is designed to go beyond cultural education, aiming to foster identity, confidence, and reconciliation. By providing young people with a safe space to learn and express themselves, it opens the door to greater understanding and personal growth.

Program Goals

The “Cultural Connections” program is centred around four key objectives:

• Cultural Awareness: Teaching young people about the depth and significance of Aboriginal history and traditions.
• Identity Development: Encouraging young participants to explore their own identities, whether Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, and find pride in who they are.
• Confidence Building: Providing opportunities to boost self-esteem through creative and hands-on activities.
• Reconciliation Promotion: Nurturing understanding and mutual respect between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures.

Engaging Activities

At the heart of the program are interactive and creative activities that encourage connection and learning:

• Cultural Education: Participants gathered in a Yarning Circle, a traditional practice rooted in storytelling and respectful dialogue, to learn about Aboriginal heritage and customs.
• Creative Workshops: Activities such as painting and gardening allowed young people to express themselves artistically while forging a deeper connection to the land and its stories.

These activities created an environment where participants could engage in meaningful conversations, explore their creativity, and connect with their peers and the community.

Outcomes That Matter

The “Cultural Connections” program is already making an impact by promoting:

• Cultural Understanding and Respect: Participants leave with a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal traditions and practices, building bridges of respect and understanding.
• Identity and Confidence: By engaging with cultural education and creative expression, young people are gaining a stronger sense of self and pride in their identities.
• Community and Belonging: The program fosters an inclusive space where participants feel valued and connected to others.
• Reconciliation Awareness: The program emphasises the importance of reconciliation, empowering young people to be part of creating a more inclusive future.

Looking Ahead

The “Cultural Connections” program reflects Platform Youth Services’ commitment to uplifting young people and promoting cultural understanding. By providing young participants with the tools to explore their identities and learn from Aboriginal traditions, the program not only nurtures personal growth but also lays the foundation for reconciliation.

This initiative is a reminder of the power of culture in uniting communities and fostering mutual respect. Through programs like this, we hope to inspire the next generation to embrace diversity and contribute to a more connected, inclusive society.

#BreakingTheCycleofHomelessness

Navigating Challenges: AOT Case Study

Supporting young people experiencing homelessness requires empathy, patience, and persistence. This case study highlights the journey of a 19-year-old male who presented to Platform Youth Services, facing multiple barriers on his path to stability.

The Situation

A 19-year-old male approached Platform Youth Services, homeless and unable to return home due to concerns about his safety and that of his family. His circumstances were further complicated by significant mental health and learning disabilities. He expressed a preference for temporary accommodation in the Blue Mountains LGA, although none was available in the area.

At the time, he was staying in temporary accommodation in St Marys, which he struggled to maintain due to challenges in understanding the requirements. Stressful situations heightened his frustration, making it difficult for him to engage with services effectively.

Barriers to Overcome

The young man faced a series of hurdles, including:

• Limited understanding of accommodation requirements: Difficulty grasping the expectations led to instability in his living arrangements.
• Emotional regulation challenges: Stress caused him to become easily frustrated and heightened, impacting his ability to make decisions or engage positively with support.
• Preference for specific accommodation: His desire to remain in the Blue Mountains LGA, where no temporary housing options were available, limited his willingness to explore other solutions.

Steps Taken

The AOT team worked diligently to support both the young man and his family.

1. Transition to New Accommodation:
   • The team facilitated his move from temporary accommodation in St Marys to a new location in Penrith. Unfortunately, he declined the option due to its location outside the Blue Mountains.
2. Engagement with Family:
   • AOT met with the young man’s mother at Homes Penrith to discuss his options and assess potential pathways forward.
3. Collaboration with NDIS Providers:
   • Recognising the complexity of his needs, AOT contacted his NDIS provider for additional support. The provider agreed to collaborate with his mother to explore long-term assistance, should she choose to proceed.
4. Direct Communication:
   • The young man expressed frustration during a meeting at Homes Penrith, storming out of the office. Later, he texted AOT to state he no longer wished to engage with Platform.

Outcomes

While the immediate outcome was not the resolution the team had hoped for, several critical steps were achieved:

• The young man transitioned to a temporary accommodation option, albeit declined due to location preferences.
• His mother was connected with the NDIS provider for ongoing support.
• The team demonstrated persistence and compassion, ensuring he was offered all available options.

Reflections

This case highlights the complexities of supporting young people with mental health and learning disabilities, particularly when preferences clash with available resources. It underscores the importance of collaborative approaches, clear communication, and external partnerships, such as with NDIS, to provide holistic support.

While the young man chose to disengage with Platform, the door remains open for him to seek assistance in the future. This case serves as a reminder that progress isn’t always linear, and even small steps can lay the groundwork for long-term success.

At Platform Youth Services, we remain committed to listening, adapting, and finding innovative ways to support young people through their challenges.

#BreakingTheCycleofHomelessness

Generation Z at work

According to the stats, Australia is in the midst of great generational change. There are now more Gen Y and Gen Z Australians in the workforce than there are Gen Xers and Babyboomers. And by the time 2030 rolls around, our newest recruits today – those under the age of 25 right now – will be the dominant generation in our workforce.

If you want to engage with your Gen Zs effectively and prepare for the future, you’d better have an understanding of the very different mindset this generation is packing.

We’re grateful to Australian researchers, McCrindle Research and their 2019 report, ‘Understanding Generation Z: Recruiting, Training and Leading the Next Generation’ for the insights we share here. Our experience with young people concurs.

So, who is Gen Z, and how are they different?

Obviously, the age difference is the first distinguishing factor. Gen Z were born from 1995 to 2009. Being young, Gen Z have different priorities in life.

They are the most likely generation to be renting and the least likely to have children. But this could be said of any generation, right? When you’re young, you’re young. Not so. Researchers now know, people resemble their times more than they resemble their parents. They are shaped by their current age, their times, the formative social, political and economic conditions they grow up in, and the experiences that occur during their childhood and teenage years.

Today’s Gen Zs will not grow up to be just like their parents or grandparents.

1. THEY’RE DIGITAL

Even though Boomers, Gen Xers and Gen Ys have experienced the digital revolution, Gen Z were exposed to text messages, social media, smart phones and other screen-based devices during their formative years. This means they are not just ‘tech savvy’, like Gen Y, they are tech dependent. Digital technology is almost like the air they breathe, or their first language.

Technology integrates seamlessly into all aspects of their lives. This is unlike the experience of older generations who’ve simply tacked technology on by migrating towards it.

In the workplace they’ll be hardwired to expect simplicity and flexibility, up to the minute information at the touch of a button, casual and open discussion, and visuals and videos for imparting knowledge and sharing information.

2. THEY’RE GLOBAL

As the world’s most globally connected generation, Gen Z are playing an enormous role in who we are as a nation, which is putting pressure on policy makers. Take the recent rise in activism on climate change, and the resurgence of activism on discrimination and harassment borne out global campaigns such as Black Lives Matter and the #metoo movement.

Celebrities and social influencers are more global than they have ever been, the darkest corners are more visible than ever before, and Gen Zs the world over are more sensitive to injustice. They’re demanding leaders in politics and business dismantle systemic barriers to a safer, fairer world.

Business leaders, prepare to have any policies and rules with no good reasoning behind them questioned!

3. THEY’RE HIGHLY SOCIAL (ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT NOT LOOK THAT WAY)

Gen Z is the most socially connected generation – connected 24/7 – and the most likely generation to be shaped by their peers. In addition, thanks to Instagram and Facebook, Gen Z are influenced by a much larger network.

This constant connection and constant stream of information has the potential for positive and negative impacts. Gen Z might struggle with digital distraction; however, they are collaborative learners. They enjoy teamwork. They bring fresh ideas, inspired from around the world, and a more emotionally and culturally intelligent workforce.

4. THEY’RE MOBILE

Gen Z are moving homes, jobs, and careers faster than ever before – a trend that is expected to continue. Today’s school leaver is expected to have 18 jobs across 6 careers. This is not only a consequence of being young, but also of new career expectations. Gen Z is looking for opportunities and options that will enhance their lifestyles, not just their bank accounts.

They’re also highly entrepreneurial and wanting to make a difference in the world. The Gen Z you encounter at work today might easily be an employer with a side hustle as well as an employee. This is great for organisations because they’re employing people who have a deeper appreciation of business. Gen Z can also teach the older generations new tricks and offer new insights for businesses wanting to become authentically values based.

5. THEY’RE VISUAL

Information overload has increasingly led to messages and information today being delivered via images rather than text. Gen Z, as you’re no doubt guessing by now, are the generation who will be far more likely to watch a video summarising an issue rather than read an article on it.

Hands on learning trumps more traditional auditory delivery. And if you want to keep employees engaged, create YouTube videos, do Facebook Lives, and host regular informal get-togethers.

Gen Z are the future. Take the time to get to know and understand them and your business will be able to better engage, train and lead them.

Myth vs Reality

Picture in your mind for a moment what happened the last time you encountered a young homeless person in Australia. We’ll wait.

If you can’t recall an encounter, try to imagine one instead.

Let the scene play out; where are you? What’s going on around you? What are they doing? What are you doing in response to their presence? What thoughts are going through your mind?

The purpose of this exercise is not to pass judgement on anyone. Not at all. It’s to see whether the picture you have in your mind of a young homeless person is based on myth or reality.

Let’s take a look.

Firstly, were you able to picture a young homeless person? By definition a young person is aged between 12 and 24 years. If you struggled, your mind is most likely operating under…

Myth No. 1 – There aren’t that many homeless kids in Australia

The reality is there are at least 28,000 young people in Australia without a home on any given night. And according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this figure is likely to have been well underestimated in the Census, due to a usual address being reported for some homeless youth.

The lesson? Youth homelessness is a huge challenge in Australia. Sadly, it’s one that doesn’t garner the attention it should because it’s largely hidden from public view. The majority of young people without a home aren’t on the streets – they’re in severely overcrowded accommodation that falls well below basic community standards.

Now, if you were able to recall an encounter a young person (or you did manage to conjure one in your imagination), did a sense of danger arise at all? Were you concerned about your purse, wallet or wellbeing? Introducing…

Myth No. 2 – Homeless youths are probably dangerous criminals – we should steer clear

This is another common misperception, driven by multiple factors: fictional portrayals of homeless people on film and television, sensationalist media coverage, and laws that can unfairly target homeless people, such as begging.

The reality is that being homeless means being incredibly vulnerable. Stay safe, but remember, homelessness is not a criminal condition. And for young people, it’s most likely the symptom of poverty and domestic violence more than anything else – which leads us to our next myth.

Myth No. 3 – Homeless kids choose to be homeless – they’re runaways who should just go home

This, most persistent of all myths, assumes two things: 1) that there is a home to go, and 2) that in that home, there is a safe environment waiting for these kids. It would be wonderful if this were the case. For the vast majority, however, it is not.

In our experience, and according to the numbers, homeless youth are homeless not because they’re bratty or rebellious runaways, but because there is a housing crisis in Australia, and because domestic and family violence makes living at home unsafe.

—

Should we try that exercise again? Close your eyes and imagine a young homeless person in Australia. What do you see now?

If you or your organisation would like to help give young Australians the support they need, make a donation today or take a look at the options for offering Corporate Support.

Remember when two-minute noodles filled almost every void in your life?

Yeah, those were the days, but now your relationship with the salty noodle has cooled.

You’re also worried malnutrition might be setting in.

Our gift to you: a year’s worth of stuff you can do with eggs – one of the world’s cheapest, handiest, tastiest, most nutritious and versatile foodstuffs. You’re welcome!

Eggs are packed with vitamins (A, B, D and E) and minerals (iodine, phosphorous, selenium, zinc and iron), and they’re a ‘complete’ protein, which means they have all the essential amino acids we need.

We’re going to meet your nutritional needs first, starting with our favourites, and then move onto some other weird stuff.

34 eggy ideas:

1. Scrambled eggs. The author of this post could stop right here and be happy with scrambled eggs 365 days of the year, just quietly. Hands down the easiest egg-based meal on the planet.
2. Poached eggs. Tricky to master, but oh so good when you do. A tiny splash of vinegar in a whirlpool of water is your friend here.
3. Dippy eggs and soldiers (aka Googy Eggs). Swoon! Boil these babies for 3 mins and dip those toasty soldiers in. Add cheese if you’re feel’n fancy.
4. Fried eggs. The classic. Go crazy and mix it up with sunny side over one week, sunny side up the next.
5. Hardboiled eggs. Eat ‘em hot or cold. On their own or in a salad. Boil up a batch and keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
6. Baked eggs. Noice, different, unusual.
7. Scotch eggs. Actually, these look pretty disgusting. Skip these.
8. Devilled eggs. Just add mayo. Genius. Thanks, ancient Italian mamas.
9. Egg & mayo sambo. Better put mayo on the shopping list, unless you want to make it yourself!
10. Make it yourself Mayonnaise. Go on. So creamy, so flavourful.
11. Eggs benedict. We know, we know – bit posh, but now you know how to make your own mayo, step it up a notch with your own Hollandaise and some ham, man.
12. Breakfast burrito. Add bacon, a hashbrown, some sauce, and it’s a wrap.
13. Egg roll wrap. Just like a burrito, but for keto/paleo converts.
14. Bacon & egg roll. The breakfast of champions. And before you ask, the answer is BBQ sauce.
15. Sausage & egg muffin. Nooo, not from Maccas. From your own capable hands.
16. Omelette. Throw in leftover baked veggies and BBQ chook, and you’ve got yourself a MEAL.
17. Quiche. If you can make an omelette, you can make a quiche. Grab some frozen shortcrust pastry sheets and Just do it!
18. Mini-quiches. A lunch or dinner fav. You’ll need puff pastry and a muffin tin.
19. Frittata. If you can’t be bothered with pastry… skip the Quiche and go for Frittata instead. So good with grated zucchini, carrot, onion, cheese, and corn.
20. Fritters. Bulk the frittata ingredients up with potatoes. Super easy, super quick, superfood.
21. Nasi goreng. Bang an egg on top, and you’re done!
22. Fried rice. Just not the same without egg.
23. French toast. Dessert for breakfast? Yes please.
24. Pancakes. Nothing beats a batch of pancakes, made from scratch. Say NO to Shake n’ Bake, kids.
25. Crepes. Like pancakes but thinner. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
26. Custard. Not just a Christmas treat. Especially yum with sliced banana.
27. Popovers. While we’re getting all American, why not? These are light, fluffy pastries FYI.
28. Waffles. Naughty or Nice. These can be frozen too. Winning!
29. Muffins. Sweet or savoury. Why not have both?
30. Try breaking an egg in the palm of one hand. You won’t be able to!
31. Visit the Egg Boy mural in Chippendale – it’s on the side of the Lord Gladstone pub.
32. See what kind of egg you are with this BuzzFeed Quiz. Eggs bene all the way!
33. Try the Tiktok egg challenge. Did your dog break the egg?
34. Give your puppy or kitty kibble a healthy boost with some cooked egg whites.

a 5-step guide to keeping your rental property

So, you’ve finally got yourself into a rental property you like, and you want to do all you can to keep that roof over your head. We’ve put together this quick guide to help you do just that.

1. Keep up your payments

We know this one isn’t always easy, but it has to be done. Even if there’s an issue with your landlord not keeping up their side of the agreement, you need to keep paying your rent and other property-related bills like water, gas and electricity.

If you’re having problems paying, contact DCJ as soon as possible to ask for help. Help is available whether you’re in social housing, affordable housing or renting privately.

If you’re a young person living in the Penrith, Hawkesbury or Blue Mountains regions, you can come directly to us to talk about Tenancy Support – we’re here to help too.

2. Ask about pets

To stay in the good books, you need to comply with the terms of your lease. Pets are often allowed, but not always, so whatever you do, don’t try to sneak a pet in! Ask the landlord or agent whether it’s ok first.

If you’re a DCJ tenant, you can keep pets ‘as long as they are suitable for your home, not a restricted breed, and not a nuisance to neighbours nor a health hazard.’ You’ll need to check with DCJ whether or not your pet is suitable.

3. Consider the neighbours!

Nobody likes an inconsiderate neighbour. Nobody. So in Australia, all tenants have terms in their lease agreement that say they must not:

• cause a nuisance, or
• interfere with the peace, comfort or privacy of a neighbour.

This goes for any of your visitors too. You can’t let them disturb or annoy people either.

Things that your neighbours could find annoying include playing loud music, revving cars, fighting, parking in someone else’s driveway (or designated parking bay), leaving rubbish or junk in the front yard, and leaving a dog alone to bark.

Most people are wise to all this, so if a neighbour comes over and asks you to keep it down or move something that’s causing them grief, your best bet is to keep your cool, put yourself in their shoes and remember, you don’t know what else they might be going through. There’s no need to escalate a situation that can easily be resolved with a quick apology and a bit of a neighbourly chat.

4. Keep it clean

This kind of continues on from the point above. Nobody likes living next to a tip. And no landlord is going to look favourably on tenants who aren’t keeping the property in the state they found it in.

Again, as a tenant you’ve got a responsibility to keep the place tidy, inside and out. This is essential if you want to get your bond back easily and get a good reference when you move out.

Sometimes there’s only so much you can do to make a place look presentable. If something needs fixing, ask for it to be fixed. Remember, as a renter, you’ve got rights as well as responsibilities!

Oh, and if you or one of your mates or family members has damaged something, let the landlord or agent know as soon as possible. No point delaying the inevitable.

5. Keep the owner or agent in the loop about changes

Got a friend or family member who needs to crash with you for a while? That’s usually ok for a short while but check your rental agreement or talk to the owner or agent to confirm how many people are allowed to live with you.

Feel you need to change the locks? That’s probably going to be ok too but ask first! The same goes for making any changes to the property. Even if you think it’ll be an improvement, you do need to ask permission before going ahead.

Need help?

Want more info, advice or a helping hand with renting? If you’re between 12 and 25 years of age, and in our neighbourhood, get in touch with us. Like we always say, you don’t need to go it alone. We’re here to help.

The Tenants Union of NSW also has a load of resources and advice too, so we highly recommend you check them out as well.

Good luck! You’ve got this.

How to create a strong work culture that works for the young, and the not-so-young

Create a strong work culture and you’ve laid the foundation for a stable and thriving enterprise, right? You’ve got an environment that fosters positivity and productivity, performance and engagement. Sounds great. Sounds easy.

Unfortunately, creating a culture is one thing. Creating a culture that works for everyone is another. What do you need to be mindful of to make sure your efforts aren’t being put into a house of cards?

Here’s 5 suggestions for building a truly strong work culture

1. Make sure the work is meaningful

Attracting and retaining engaged employees will first and foremost come down to the work you’re asking them to do every day. Do they understand how their work is a small but crucial piece in a larger puzzle? Are they given enough freedom of thought to invent better ways to get things done?

Often young people will be given more menial tasks – which is completely understandable – but make sure you’re delegating a other tasks regularly to stretch their capabilities and make them feel like a valued part of the business.

If you can’t bring yourself to delegate yet, bring them into the fold where you can. Allow them to shadow you on certain jobs and meetings, so they can widen their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of what’s expected further up the line.

2. Remember the 80/20 rule when it comes to health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing is ‘so hot right now’, but here’s what we’ve noticed. In a bid to promote healthy habits and increase physical and mental fitness in the workplace, the fun police have taken away all the treats! Spice up the fun factor on your health and wellbeing program with the 80/20 rule.

You’ve got 5 days to work with, so how about on 2 of those days you break from regular programming, with a fun treat that’s not going to break the health bank. Hump day could be ushered in with a ceremonial unlocking of the choccy bikkie cupboard every Wednesday morning. Takeaway ‘Fish n Chip Friday’ could be your way to gather the troops under a leafy tree and bid the week goodbye.

3. Be part of a future-proofed career

Who knows what the future of work will look like? We don’t, but we do know we all need to get comfortable with continuous learning and reinvention. No matter how young or old your employees are, they’ve got an eye on the future, so make sure you do too. Keep providing genuine opportunities for learning and talk to them about them moving up (or on) in a positive, rather than resentful way.

Formal Performance Reviews and Personal Development Plans are great, but don’t forget the impact a few casual words can have. Remember, young workers are like sponges – they’ll always remember how you made them feel and that sage advice you gave while making a quick cuppa in the kitchen.

4. Create safe spaces for a speak up culture

The workplace is a diverse place – you know this by now. While some people relish every opportunity to make their voice heard, others are more introverted. They’re bound to remain tight lipped unless they feel safe and comfortable about speaking up. Younger workers in particular might struggle to show their more extroverted side at work.

In addition to simply asking for feedback and opinions in group meetings or one-on-ones, offer other avenues for speaking up. Set up mechanisms for both verbal and written feedback, as well as anonymous feedback.

5. Get involved in workplace giving

According to the science, we humans are hard-wired to give. What’s more? The more we give, the happier we feel. Tap into this phenomenon by getting everyone involved in regular events and activities that have a charitable mission.

In addition to making everyone feel good about where they work and the difference they’re making in the wider world, it’s a great way to forge stronger bonds across teams. Everyone’s away from their desks but still working together.

GET YOUR FREE E-BOOK

Want to delve deeper into creating a ‘best place to work’ culture that powers itself by giving back? Download this handy little e-book. Perfect for business owners, CEOs and Managers who want happy and productive employees. Click here to download

5 easy ways to support the youth in your community

“Kids today!” It’s the lament of older generations the world over, but clearly, you’re here to help young people rise, not to keep them down.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to:

1. See the person, not the stereotype

Did you know hating on the younger generation has been going on in western civilisation for around 2,000 years? Seriously! Even back in the day. Thankfully, nowadays, we’re much more enlightened… Well, at least some of us are. We’re starting to realise things aren’t always as they seem. The world isn’t black and white. Not everyone enjoys the same privileges.

The young person before you is not the two-dimensional character you think you know. Listen to their stories. Practice putting yourself in their shoes and see where it leads you.

2. Practice patience and understanding

‘Kids today’ might appear vastly different to how you were. On the inside, however, they’re the same as they’ve always been – a messy mix of confidence and low self-esteem, enthusiasm and apathy, vulnerability and invincibility, selfishness and kindness. A lot like all of us, come to think of it.

There’s added complexity to teenagers, however, and this is not only down to hormonal surges. According to neuroscience, the brain remodels during the teenage years. Updates to the primal portions of the brain occur first, and these heighten the brain’s emotional reactions. The frontal cortex – with its calming, rational influence – doesn’t come fully into play until adulthood.

This battleground of emotions and hormones are worth remembering, especially when you come up against behaviour that upsets, frustrates or mystifies you. Also remember that this too shall pass – at about the age of 25. In the meantime, model the behaviour you expect and help them build their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

3. Make way for fresh ideas

Despite your many years of experience, there’s always room for fresh ideas and a new perspective. Young people are renowned for looking at longstanding issues in unique ways and coming up with brilliant solutions. Even when the ideas don’t stack up, a fresh perspective will often illuminate new lines of enquiry, so make room at the table.

When young people see their ideas being listened to and acted on, it’s inspiring and empowering. They begin to see themselves as capable citizens and active agents of change.

4. Join the call to #RaiseTheRate

Most young Australians have the resources they need to survive and thrive. Still, there’s a significant minority who live in poverty, through no fault of their own. We know these kids firsthand.

While it makes sense socially and economically for the Government to support our young people adequately, current Newstart and Youth Allowance rates go nowhere near covering today’s basic living costs. In fact, the rate has barely changed in 25 years!

An unlikely coalition of voices, including the Business Council of Australia has been lobbying the Government to #RaiseTheRate for a while now. Will you

5. Support organisations that support young people

Helping young people stay in school, providing safe accommodation, and getting them ‘job ready’ are just some of the ways we help vulnerable young people thrive like their peers. In our area of Sydney alone, we can see up to 200 young people a day who have little to no social or financial support.

By supporting community organisations like ours, you support the youth in your community now and into the future. And that’s good for all of us