The Life Skills Program, funded through City of Whitehorse, Rotary Club of Box Hill and The William Buckland Foundation, offers a variety of workshop-based activities for at risk young people to learn new skills in a personal development framework. Volunteers are recruited to assist in Life Skills Programs, including Mentors, Volunteer Support Teams, Lead Tenants and Child Play Supervisors, and have an expanding role in supporting young families participating in FAN programs and activities.


Workshops and programs are specifically designed for young people aged 15-25 years, with a particular emphasis on those who are experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness, social isolation, alienation, depression, family breakdown, pregnant and/or parenting issues, mental health issues, settlement and / or cultural issues or those who are same sex attracted transgender intersex.

While some of the workshops may have changed since the following statement was made in FAN’s Annual Report from the 90’s, the philosophy remains the same.

“The term ‘Life Skills’ is used to describe the primary function of the program is a generic term for a host of core skills necessary for day to day existence. It is proposed that such life skills facilitate a greater connectedness between the young people and the community in which they exist. It is a given that enhanced life skills will impact upon the social and emotional well being of the young people involved.”

The Life Skills Program is celebrating 10 years of successfully delivering a range of workshops and programs that address the primary needs of homeless and at risk young people and accompanying children. This is also an ideal opportunity to review the Program to ensure FAN is keeping abreast of the ever changing client group.

During the past twelve months a total of 125 young people attended a variety of programs, with an increase in the number of workshops available to women and accompanying children, such as the Young Mum’s Group, Mum’s With Attitude and Girls With Attitude. In response to the changing needs of the presenting client group, a number of workshops have contributed to self-development such as anger management and leadership skills, compared with a higher number of creative/social activities for the same reporting period of last year.

The focus over the next twelve months is on building longer term sustainable outcomes for clients and accompanying children, recognising that the immediate issues directly impact on their coping skills, requiring a stronger emphasis on self development programs