Education First Youth Foyer : Social Connections Offer Conceptual Framework

September 2015 Hanover Welfare Services (now Launch Housing) Launch Housing is an independent Melbourne based community organisation formed from the merger of two of Victoria’s leading homelessness service providers, HomeGround Services and Hanover in July 2015 Link to History of Launch Housing : https://www.launchhousing.org.au/about-us/our-history/

Bibliography : p. 54-58

The Social Connections Offer seeks to equip EFY Foyer students with the social and emotional knowledge, skills and opportunities to develop thriving social relationships and networks (including with family, friends, partners and services), and ultimately to have sustainable connections with helpful support and resources. The Social Connections Offer will provide resources, opportunities and support for EFY Foyers students to: 1 Develop meaningful social connections goals and aspirations and plans to achieve them 2 Engage in relevant, meaningful activities (e.g., social activities, sporting clubs, support groups, house meetings) to develop positive, supportive connections with adult facilitators and peers through the sharing of interests, thoughts, ideas and feelings 3 Access mainstream resources and supports (e.g., family mediation, counselling) relevant to their social connections’ goals 4 Develop the necessary skills to build and maintain relationships (e.g., communication skills, cooperation, conflict resolution, empathy, understanding social norms) 5 Access ongoing opportunities for social connections both in Foyer and post-Foyer.