Starting Point Neighbourhood House: Supporting growth through Skills to Thrive

In the heart of Ravenswood, a northern suburb of Launceston, Starting Point Neighbourhood House stands as a beacon of community resilience and empowerment. Known for its wide range of programs and services, Starting Point is now launching a new initiative with the support of a 2024 CVGT Employment Community Grant: the Skills to Thrive program.

This innovative program is designed to help community members overcome barriers, improve health and wellbeing, build employability skills, and ultimately gain meaningful employment. It reflects Starting Point’s deep commitment to sustainable community development and its belief in the strengths and potential of every individual.

A program built on local success and collaboration

Skills to Thrive builds on the success of the Launch into Employment program recently delivered in George Town. Developed in close consultation with local service providers, including CVGT Employment Launceston, the program has been tailored to meet the specific needs of job seekers in Launceston’s northern suburbs.

While open to all ages, the program has a strong focus on supporting younger participants, helping them build confidence, raise aspirations, and develop a personalised Career Pathway Plan. These plans include SMART goals and strategies to overcome barriers, with one-on-one support provided throughout to connect participants with relevant services and opportunities.

Local focus and real-world experience

What sets Skills to Thrive apart is its localised and practical approach. The program is contextualised to the employment landscape of the Northern Suburbs, helping participants understand who the local employers are and what types of jobs are available. It includes:

• Guest speakers from local services and employers
• Site visits to workplaces to provide real-world exposure
• Career planning and employability workshops
• Ongoing individualised support

This hands-on approach ensures participants are not only job-ready but also confident and informed about the opportunities in their own community.

A community-driven mission

At its core, Starting Point Neighbourhood House exists to provide a safe and supportive environment where people can grow and reach their full potential. The organisation works from a strengths-based perspective, recognising the assets and gifts within the community and fostering connections that lead to lasting change.

CVGT Employment has been a proud partner in this journey, having supported the George Town program over the past 2 years and now playing a key role in the rollout of Skills to Thrive.

Skills to Thrive is more than a training program. It is a reflection of what is possible when community organisations and employment services come together with a shared vision. CVGT Employment is proud to support Starting Point Neighbourhood House in delivering this impactful initiative and looks forward to seeing the positive outcomes it brings to the people of Ravenswood and beyond.

CVGT Employment’s 2024 Community Grants program

Our 2024 Community Grants program is specifically focused on youth career support.

Together, we are investing in a brighter, more resilient future, one young person at a time.

Learn more about our 2024 Community Grant program and recipients here.