Baking, Budgeting and Building Connections 

Our School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program gives young people the chance to build confidence and independence through practical, everyday experiences. 

Earlier this month, SLES participants Jiandre and Matias, with the support of SLES coordinator Vishal, baked vanilla muffins and choc-chip cupcakes for R U OK? Day. The treats were shared with the McCall team during morning tea, sparking conversations and reminding us all of the importance of checking in with one another. 

Jiandre and Matias also helped deliver R U OK? kits to Shine Shed Northwest and to McCall homes – making sure the message of connection reached right across our community. 

Following this, Jiandre and Matias had the chance to put their weekly budget learning into action. After completing a session on money and budgeting skills, they planned a grocery shop, purchased the ingredients, and then baked a new round of treats for the McCall team. This step-by-step experience turned learning into practice – helping them build independence, decision-making, and teamwork along the way. 

Most recently, Matias lent a hand at McCall’s Springtime Family Fun Day, supporting our team on the day and greeting families who came along to celebrate inclusion and community. His involvement was a wonderful example of the confidence and leadership that SLES aims to nurture