Nambour families offered free support to help kids belong and thrive
Families across Nambour and the wider Sunshine Coast are being offered free support to help children and teenagers get involved, stay connected and overcome barriers to participation through a growing community program based at Nambour Community Centre.
Amy & Lise from the centre’s JOIN team, say the service is about creating opportunities and strengthening community connections.
“We can support with linking kids/teens into activities across the Sunshine Coast, and may also have the capacity to support with paying for things like sporting uniforms where that is a barrier to participation” they said.
“All of the offerings that JOIN shares are free and available to families with kids and teens. Another exciting capacity of the program is the potential to create opportunities where gaps in desired activities are identified. JOIN has consistently heard from families that there is a lack of low cost and free activities available for kids in Nambour and this is something we are passionate about addressing with community.”
JOIN connects families with a wide range of local opportunities including sporting groups, art and craft activities, educational and social groups, music programs, community services and mental health support.
The program also helps tackle practical barriers that can prevent young people from getting involved, including transport challenges, job readiness and access to educational and wellbeing workshops.
A new Teen Drop in Space has also been launched at the Nambour Community Centre, running Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm. The sessions offer “free food, activities, games, craft & heaps of fun” in a safe and welcoming environment for young people.
The program’s broader goal is to “help break down barriers & create opportunities” while encouraging young people and families to shape what’s on offer.
As the program develops, JOIN will be calling for volunteers, offering locals the chance to “feel more connected while gaining workplace experience”.
Based at 2 Shearer St, Nambour, the JOIN team are available Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 3pm, with families encouraged to drop in for a chat.
• Check out their socials to keep up with offerings, including the resume writing workshop happening on March 31st for Teens: @JOIN – Nambour Community Centre on Facebook or @join_4560 on Instagram. For more information contact the team on (07) 5441 4724 or scan the QR code.
Amy, left, & Lise from the Nambour Community Centre JOIN team can help children and teenagers get involved, stay connected and overcome barriers.
