Emma Pritchard
Headspace Grafton is extending a special invitation to local business owners as they prepare to host a free community event next month.
Aimed at promoting and developing professional working relationships between Clarence Valley youths and industry representatives, which lead to new employment opportunities and the establishment of career pathways within the region, the aptly titled ‘Snags and Chin Wags’ will focus on highlighting the various skills and attributions young people in Grafton can bring to local businesses, while participants will also be able to enjoy a delicious sausage sandwich or two during the morning.
While providing ongoing support services which prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of youths aged 12-25, the dedicated team at Headspace Grafton are committed to ensuring children, adolescents, and young adults, are given every opportunity to shine and achieve their dreams while pursuing their passions within own backyard.
Supervisor of the Work and Study Program at Headspace Grafton Alyson Kavanagh said during the previous calendar year the not-for-profit organisation assisted 24 young people in the Clarence Valley as they progressed in their respective career choices, attained qualifications, and made the successful transition into the workforce.
First introduced in 2018, the program is only available through selective NSW Headspace facilities in communities which have high youth unemployment rates.
With the Clarence Valley presently sitting above the 3.8 percent state average with a youth unemployment rate of 4.8 percent as documented by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and 2024 Parliament Electorate Data, the program is a key component for Headspace Grafton as their team continues to work towards lowering the current numbers.
“There are a lot of local businesses that work with Headspace Grafton, and thanks to their ongoing support we have been able to successfully place a number of young people who were seeking jobs in a range of industries including retail, hospitality, and trades within the last year,” Ms Kavanagh revealed.
“That is something we are very eager to continue to do in 2025.
“The crux of our program at Headspace Grafton focuses on exploring the strengths of our local youths and their preferences for work within their individual fields of interest.
“In hosting ‘Snags and Chin Wags’, we’re keen to meet and speak with more local business owners in Grafton, gauge whether they are looking for new staff members now or in the near future and introduce them to any young people we know who have the best suitability and criteria for their particular industry.”
Headspace Grafton is one of 50 Headspace facilities in NSW which offers the Work and Study Program.
“We’re very lucky to have this program,” Ms Kavanagh explained.
“It is a great way for young people to commence their working lives while having access to the mental health and wellbeing support services they may need.
“Through gaining employment opportunities we’re seeing young people grow in confidence and develop their self-esteem, and the feedback we receive from local businesses who employ them is fantastic.
“Our local businesses in Grafton are very supportive of the work we do, and the team at Headspace Grafton are very keen to build on our networking opportunities within our community.
“We want to get the word out so we can help our local businesses understand how they can continue to help us.”
Several local youths who have previously participated in the Work and Study Program through Headspace Grafton have praised its inception, citing opportunities to develop new social skills, step outside of their comfort zone, learn more about themselves, and feel more optimistic about their employment future as the main objectives that lead to its continued success.
Ms Kavanagh and the team at Headspace Grafton are looking forward to welcoming a large turnout at their upcoming event.
‘Snags and Chin Wags’ will be held at Headspace Grafton, located at 59 Duke Street, between 7-9am on Thursday, March 20.