Live N Learn was initiated in the late 1990’s by the NSW Department of Housing as a way to offer better solutions for youth at risk of homelessness or youth exiting shorter-term accommodation. Since incorporation in 2000, as an independent not-for-profit company, we seek opportunities to apply a holistic approach to the needs of youth in order to re-establish themselves and halt a transition to chronic homelessness and unemployment.
Live N Learn recognises the important roles safe accommodation, education and lasting employment play in building a successful and independent life.
Together with support from government and community, Live N Learn adapted the UK ‘Foyer’ model for Australian application. The Live N Learn Miller Campus which opened in 2003 was the first Australian Foyer adaptation and one of Foyer UK’s first international variants. Refined over five years the Live N Learn Campus program was developed to offer skills learning and stable accommodation in self contained campus style units
to a resident community of up to 30 young people.
Recognising the importance of employment to social inclusion, affordable and therefore sustainable living, Live N Learn sought to identify appropriate responses to high youth unemployment. In 2004 / 2005 Live N Learn developed a mentoring approach to assist disadvantaged youth build pathways to employment and identify career options. With five years of service, the Break Through youth employment mentoring approach has proven to be a successful way of engaging local employers and unemployed youth in a program that builds capacity, develops jobs and encourages training.
Live N Learn has created services that play a preventative role in assisting youth to continue their participation in education and decrease their risk of homelessness. While seeking to address these two key areas, a Live N Learn Campus reinforces the Live and Learn principles.
Please email the Live N Learn Foundation on info@livenlearn.com.au