We are thrilled to announce that Learning Links has received over $160,000 in community funding for the upcoming year, thanks to the generosity and ongoing support of Campsie RSL, Canterbury League Club, Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club and Lantern Club. This funding enables Learning Links’ team of teachers and psychologists to deliver essential programs in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA that will directly impact children’s development in numeracy, literacy, mental health, and overall wellbeing – now and into the future.
A range of programs will be fully funded in local schools, including Counting for Life® and Reading for Life®, individual and group counselling, targeted literacy and numeracy support, diagnostic assessments, and the RAW Project – reaching over 200 local school children who are facing difficulties with their learning or at risk of falling behind their peers. Each program is uniquely designed to support children’s development, whether it be equipping them with critical foundation skills in numeracy and literacy, boosting their confidence, or fostering their overall wellbeing.
Spotlight on the RAW Project
One major program that the local Canterbury-Bankstown community will benefit from is the RAW (Resilience, Attitude, and Wellbeing) Project. This is a transformative program led by Learning Links psychologists, designed to support adolescent mental health and build emotional resilience. The program equips children with the skills they need to manage life’s ups and downs. Through a combination of group activities, individualised support, skills training and mentoring, high school students learn to better recognise and understand their emotions, develop greater self-awareness, and build effective emotional regulation strategies. The RAW Project is not just about immediate support but about helping adolescents build strategies to handle difficult situations with confidence and resilience.
Participants in the program learn the importance of self-compassion, empathy, and emotional expression, which are vital for building strong relationships and feeling secure in their school environment. This focus on emotional intelligence empowers adolescents to better navigate social situations, resolve conflicts, and make responsible decisions in the tricky teenage years, which can positively impact their school experience, peer relationships, and family dynamics.
The long-term impact of the stategies used in RAW Project can be profound. Building resilience early on in life has been shown to have lasting effects, leading to stronger mental health outcomes in adulthood, reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and a higher likelihood of academic and personal success. With the support of this year’s funding, up to 60 high school students will benefit from the RAW Project, receiving these essential skills and supports that will serve as a foundation for lifelong wellbeing.
Gratitude and Impact
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering commitment of Campsie RSL, Canterbury League Club, Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club, and Lantern Club to Learning Links’ mission and their dedication to support children and adolescents in need by providing opportunities for learning, growth, and resilience in school communities. Their generosity makes it possible for Learning Links to create meaningful, positive change for young people – fostering a brighter, healthier, and more resilient future.