Wellbeing Beyond the Bell

A Youth Engagement Project

Youth Engagement Program's for learning support and wellbeing

Wellbeing Beyond the Bell was a local solution funded by the Victoria State Government and co-created by Mzuri Dance with young people for young people in Yarra. The project provides weekly drop in sessions in Fitzroy for ages 8 - 18 years and has introduced brand new start up sessions in Collingwood and Carlton (10 week program) for participation of 50 young people in co-led creative and cultural arts activities and excursions supporting meaningful social connection following disconnection and impacts from Covid pandemic lockdowns.

This project worked with Culture Club Vic Health Project over 2022-2023 and with Fostering Integration Project and Roots and Rhythms 2023-2024 to maximise excursions and performance opportunities for the young people. The project also has worked with and supported the Young Leaders program which forms part of City of Yarra Dance Project for 2023 and played a vital role in maintaining and extending the hours of the weekly sessions at the Florence Peel Centre in Fitzroy over 2023.

Youth centred approach

The Wellbeing Beyond the Bell sessions use a strengths- based approach and supported building young people’s self-esteem, and sense of self-worth building on their skills and passion's. The activities and atmosphere at these sessions provide a safe and inclusive space to engage young African Australian people in creative and artistic practices to feel free to explore their cultural connections and sense of self through the arts activities including yoga, dance, drumming, art and craft and public performance.

Purpose

The project successfully supported physical and mental health of children to develop and thrive at their own pace. In partnership with local community leaders; schools, community organisations the program supported young people to participate with drop in 'culture club' sessions at Collingwood, Carlton and Fitzroy Public Housing Estate, as well as attend events and excursions, opening them to real life experiences and to increase social connection and wellbeing.

Activities by Location

Carlton Public Housing Estate

Carlton Youth Culture Club 2023

2025, The community is hopefull a program will return in 2025 with an application for the Social Investments Partnerships Grant through City of Melbourne.

Collingwood College

Collinwood Youth Culture Club 2023
2025 The community is hopeful a Homework and afterschool wellbeing and academic focused program will be provided through the African Action Plan, funded by Department of Education

Florence Peel Centre Fitzroy

Fitzroy Youth Culture Club 2023 and RISEtogether in 2024 funded by Department of Justcie and the South Sudanese Expert working group.

2025 The community is hopeful a Homework and afterschool wellbeing and academic focused program will be provided through the African Action Plan, funded by Department of Education

Richmond High School + Public Housing Estate

Richmond One off Activities
Dance and drum workshop at Richmond High School for Culture Day

In 2024 CampstART was delivered for the North Richmond community and provided young people and families with a 5 day camp to the Strathboogie Ranges.