Social enterprise builds more than job skills

An innovative recycling program boosting skills, morale and employment for young people is also helping Brisbane residents reduce their energy bills.

SUPPORT. TRAINING. EMPLOYMENT.

The Green Heart Wisdom program, backed by Brisbane City Council, saw young yourtown clients deliver new fridges or washing machines to pensioners and remove their old, energy inefficient whitegoods.

Around 1300 washing machines and fridges were collected and delivered by program participants to suburbs right across Brisbane. More than 70 washing machines and fridges were donated to needy individuals and organisations and over 580 were dismantled and recycled.

All of the logistic and recycling work was carried out by long term unemployed young people. During the year long program 28 young people took part and already nine have found jobs.

This work gave them valuable vocational skills but just as importantly it gave them a sense of self-worth and pride in what they are doing, a feeling of achievement and connection with their local community. Peter McIntosh, BoysTown Recycling Coordinator.

BoysTown recently received a special honour from Brisbane City Mayor Graham Quirk for the real social benefits that the Green Heart Wisdom Program achieved.

We’re proud to contribute to Brisbane’s future by being part of innovative programs and delivering great outcomes for young people and the community.

Let us know your thoughts on how BoysTown changes lives. Comment below.

And don’t forget to subscribe to keep up to date with the latest BoysTown news.

#BoysTown AU