Empowering Our Youth
Our Partnership with The Family Centre
For nearly 40 years, The Family Centre has been woven into the fabric of the Tweed, Byron, and Ballina communities. They understand that life doesn’t always go to plan, and when families or young people hit a rough patch, they need more than just a brochure—they need a partner. The Seaton Foundation is proud to have walked beside them across several programs designed to give local youth the confidence to navigate life’s tricky turns.
"Switched On": Changing the Conversation
Navigating high school and the complexities of first relationships can be overwhelming. We sponsored the REALskills Switched On program to give students the tools they need to understand what a healthy, respectful relationship actually looks like.
Moving away from dry lectures, Switched On uses interactive games and "deep talks" that young people find genuinely relatable. Last year, the program reached 701 students across eight regional high schools. As one student shared: "It made me realise I have more control over my choices than I thought."
Rent Choice Youth: More Than Just a Roof
The 2022 floods were a crisis on top of a crisis for young people at risk of homelessness. By funding a part-time Rent Choice Youth Worker, we helped The Family Centre extend their reach when it was needed most.
This initiative is a three-year commitment to long-term stability, not just a short-term fix. This past year alone, the program supported 48 young people—exceeding its goals and ensuring that those who lost everything in the floods were supported in finding a new home and rebuilding their lives.
Articulate: Finding a Voice Through Art
Our most recent collaboration is the Articulate Street Art Program. Recognising that traditional talk therapy isn’t for everyone, Articulate brought in renowned mural artist Nitsua to work with students at Ballina Coast High School.
These workshops allowed students to design a shared story that reflects their connection to the community. It is a project built on ownership and pride, leaving a lasting legacy on the school grounds that reminds every student: our voices matter.
Across every initiative, The Family Centre proves that while we can’t always prevent the challenges life throws at our youth, we can ensure they never have to face them alone.
“
The facilitators created a safe space for honest discussion, and students really responded to that
Local High School Teacher