PCYC is an extraordinary self-funded charity that has been making a difference to disadvantaged youth since 1947. PCYC programs aim to reduce suicide rates, depression and crime amongst Melbourne’s youth.
Following on from progress made in 2018 to improve communal alfresco areas and provide outdoor space to relax and socialise, SEMZ continue to partner with RMIT University students and St Kilda PCYC with an exciting project to improve facilities at the St Kilda PCYC Rooming House.
The tenants of the house are young people aged between 18-25 years. They have worked their way through the Salvation Army Life Skills program and are now positioned in the PCYC house to enable the transition towards independent living. This involves participating in paid employment (such as at the PCYC gym next door) and learning to cook, clean, pay rent and bills etc.
One of the major issues noted by PCYC early in our partnership, was the lack of communal space. The house itself has bedrooms and a small kitchen, with no shared dining space or living room. The tenants generally cook and then eat within their bedrooms, therefore reducing the ability to socialise and interact over meals.
Having completed a lengthy process of gaining appropriate permits and approval, we are excited to have begun the process of demolition of a dis-used rear shed, to make way for construction of a brand-new living room with kitchenette and seating space.
This space will be used for tenants to socialise, relax, cook and dine together. Salvation Army and PCYC will host cooking lessons within this kitchen and promote eating together around the island bench. A recently planted veggie garden will provide produce and teach healthy and sustainable eating habits.
We look forward to providing further project updates over coming weeks.