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The Ladder Step Up Sydney program supports young people aged 15 to 20 years living in out-of-home care (OOHC) to reach their full potential.

Throughout the eight-week intensive program, young people participate in a range of engaging and hands on activities to improve their wellbeing, build their confidence, learn independent living skills, build positive relationships and achieve their education, employment and training goals. Following the intensive program, young people receive a minimum of six months support from their Ladder Step Up Sydney Development Coach.

The Ladder Step Up Sydney program has Centrelink Approved Activity status so young people who participate with us can continue to receive benefits. Young people will be able to ’work-off’ fines as they participate with us.

Funding is supported by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.

Ladder is the official charity of the AFL Players’ Association and an official charity partner of the AFL, with Step Up Sydney being a partner of the GWS GIANTS. This allows us to provide our young people with unique opportunities for personal and professional development as well as some amazing experiences.

To learn more about the program, read our factsheet

Program Outcomes

To date, 288 young people have successfully graduated the program.

After participating in the Ladder Step Up Sydney program:

• 92% of young people made connections with new friends
• 96% of participants were linked to other services​
• 95.5% of young people reported an increased sense of belonging
• 100% of young people reported improved self-efficacy
• 91% of young people reported improved wellbeing / quality of life
• 87.5% of young people reported improved job readiness

“I have learnt that I can achieve anything I set my heart and mind to achieve. I’m doing better with each day” – Step Up Sydney Program Participant

To learn more about the impact that the Ladder Step Up Sydney program has had, read the impact report here.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, young people will:

• Be aged between 15 – 20 (approx.)
• Living or previously connected with out-of-home care (or have lived in OOHC)
• Have a Leaving Care Plan
• Be living in Greater Sydney 
• Be ready to explore new opportunities.
  
  

For further information, please email [email protected]