A group of young Ballarat women are working to create care packs for children going into foster care.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Members of youth program Girl Space are channeling their energy and community compassion to work together to raise funds.
The group has so far raised $1000 by selling their handcrafted products, included origami earrings and kokedamas, at market stalls.
Members came together at the Ballarat Library last week for their fortnightly meeting to create candles and beeswax wraps to sell at their upcoming stall at the Barkly Square Twilight Market on December 19.
Centre for Multicultural Youth worker and Girl Space leader Hayley McArthur said the girls in the group began the project after deciding they wanted to have a greater impact in community.
"The girls decide the direction of the program," she said.
Girl Space, a free program, was founded in 2017 to meet the needs of young women in Ballarat aged 12 to 25.
Fortnightly sessions aim to create a network of empowered and multi-skilled young women from 'all walks of life' and provide an opportunity to create connections in a safe, social and inclusive environment.
The girls decide the direction of the program
- Hayley McArthur, Girl Space
Girl Space member Karissa said she had gained confidence being a part of the group because it was a space she felt 'comfortable'.
Ms McArthur said she had received feedback the group had provided opportunities to young women to explore experiences they wouldn't have tried otherwise.
"It has been an opportunity for people to meet new people from different cultures and different backgrounds, learn new skills, try different sports they wouldn't have had the opportunity to try before, to learn more about the community and get more involved," she said.
READ MORE: New program set to empower young women
Fortnightly Girl Space meetings include workshops on life skills, cooking, craft, sports and recreational activities.
Around 10 to 20 young women usually attend the meetings, with around 350 members in the Facebook group.
This group is inclusive of women of all abilities and encourages newly arrived, Indigenous, LGBTIQA+ and marginalised community members to join.
Girl Space is supported by staff from B'You Ballarat Youth Services, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Ballarat Health Services, BGT and Vic Police.
Visit the Facebook group for more information or to get involved.
RELATED COVERAGE:
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
