Thrive Hub Seymour's (back from left) stakeholder engagement and Community Investment Committee co-ordinator Lee Day, administration assistant Kiara Steveonson, development coaches Gypsy Ball and Anna Johnson, and (front) team leader Samantha Hugill and inclusion demonstration and integration manager Melissa Miller.
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Six months after opening its doors, Thrive Hub Seymour has put down roots at a new, larger home on Wallis St, marking a continuation of the community-led approach in the region.
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Thrive Hub Seymour is a Brotherhood of St Laurence program that supports people aged 16 and over to access employment, education, training and community participation.
It builds on foundations established through The SEED Project — a community-led initiative that supported local women to build confidence, strengthen connections and improve their financial wellbeing — which transitioned into Thrive Hub Seymour last year.
The Seymour Women's Financial Wellbeing Community Investment Committee, which brings together local organisations to co-deliver community initiatives, also emerged from the SEED model and continues its focus on improving outcomes for women.
Through its collaborative approach, a range of community-led initiatives have emerged, including the Women's Wardrobe, which provided access to quality clothing for women, and the Seymour Community Program Directory, which helps residents identify local supports and opportunities.
Working groups focused on family violence prevention, education, employment and lived experience have also been developed.
These initiatives bring together community members, local organisations and service providers to identify barriers, develop practical solutions and create opportunities for women and families across the region.
The new location, at Shop 4, 30 Wallis St, Seymour, provides a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment, with dedicated workshop and engagement spaces that will enable more programs, group activities and community-led initiatives.
BSL inclusion senior manager Penny Bohm said the move represented an exciting next step for the organisation’s work in Seymour.
“We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where people can access opportunities, build confidence, connect with services and participate in their community,” Ms Bohm said.
“This new space gives us greater capacity to work alongside local residents and partners to support positive outcomes for the community.”
Sue Hamilton-Bayley at her new job at Reviva Reuse Shop, which she was connected with through The SEED Project, Thrive Hub Seymour and the CIC.
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BSL inclusion demonstration and integration manager Melissa Miller said partnerships were central to the hub’s strength.
“We’ve already seen the difference that Thrive Hub Seymour can make through the connections, partnerships and opportunities that have developed over recent years,” Ms Miller said.
“Our new location provides a dedicated workshop and engagement space that will help us expand those opportunities and continue supporting people to access employment, education, training and community participation.”
Local resident Sue Hamilton-Bayley’s experience demonstrates what can happen when services, community organisations and local partners work together.
Through The SEED Project, Thrive Hub Seymour and the CIC, Ms Hamilton-Bayley accessed referrals, mentoring, training and community connections that helped her build confidence and develop new skills.
One outcome was her connection to employment with Reviva Reuse Shop, which first became aware of Thrive Hub Seymour through the Seymour Community Program Directory.
“The biggest change for me was having people who believed in me and connected me with opportunities,” Ms Hamilton-Bayley said.
“It wasn't one program or one organisation. It was a network of people working together, opening doors and encouraging me to keep moving forward.
“The confidence I've gained has changed how I see myself and what I believe is possible.”
Community members, service providers and local organisations are encouraged to connect with the Thrive Hub Seymour team, explore collaboration opportunities, attend events and access available programs.
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