Youth Up Front

15/10/2026

As the HSC gets underway, we're loving this news from NESA! 28% of this year's HSC students are studying a VET course, according to the 2026 HSC Enrolment Snapshot. VET enrolments are up 6% on last year and 20% since 2020. https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/upward-trend-vet-enrolments-as-hsc-students-prepare-for-jobs-of-future

Hospitality, Construction and Business Services are still the most popular choices, and courses like Financial Services and Human Services are growing quickly.

We've been connecting students with local workplaces since 1997, and we know how much good happens when schools, TAFE, industry and community work together. Students get real experience, and host employers get to meet (and help shape) their future workforce.

Interested in hosting a student? Get in touch 👇
https://youthupfront.org.au/contact/

11/10/2026

Good luck to the Class of 2026! HSC written exams start tomorrow 🎓

Around 74,500 students across NSW are finishing their HSC this year, and we're cheering for every one of you.

Whatever happens over the next few weeks, one set of exams doesn't define you. There are so many paths after school, and we see young people find their way every day.

Get some sleep, eat properly, take breaks, and back yourself. You've got this!

Good luck from all of us at Youth Up Front 💙

11/10/2026

Thanks to the awesome team at Grill'd Dee Why - show your support with a delicious feed ans vote for us!!

Keep the votes flowing!! ❤️

09/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day 💛

In this year's Northern Beaches Youth Survey, mental health was the second biggest issue raised by local young people, just behind transport. When student leaders presented the findings to decision makers, they said the hard part often isn't knowing you're struggling. It's knowing what to do next.

If that sounds like you or someone you know, these are good places to start:

• headspace Brookvale, free for 12- to 25-year-olds (you just need a Medicare card)
• Kids Helpline, 1800 55 1800, any time, day or night
• Lifeline, 13 11 14

You don't need to have it all worked out before you reach out.

08/10/2026

October is Mental Health Month in NSW, and we love this year’s theme, A Little Connection Goes a Long Way 💙

Connection is a huge part of everything we do. Our Skills for Wellbeing programs cover things like managing emotions, coping with stress, self care and mindfulness. Students work in small groups, either at school or at our Ingleside headquarters, giving young people a space outside the usual classroom routine to build confidence, friendships and skills for life.

As one Year 9 student told us, “I’ve learnt how to communicate better and be more confident in my life.”

Every group is led by two qualified staff, trained in areas including Mental Health First Aid and trauma informed practice.

Interested in bringing a program to your school? Get in touch 👇 https://youthupfront.org.au/

08/10/2026

As we get ready for the start of term 4, we wanted to give a shout out to our amazing cheese fairy!! 🧚🧀

Cath from was introduced to us by the Lions Club Of Frenchs Forest earlier this year.

After hearing about our amazing work, she asked how can we help?

Our reply was simply this “ It’s easy for a charity to say it’s about making a donation and money but I like to think outside the square. How about cheese?” 🧀🧀

She looked at me as did the rest of the meeting and thought I was saying something funny. 🤔

The point being that cost-of-living has impacted lots of families and our limitless has been the simple toasted cheese sandwich. Whilst we have amazing donations of other items, dairy and cheese in particular I think we never get to see and therefore we need to pay for.

It is becoming that expensive. I was almost considering whether it was cheaper to buy a cow and teach students how to make chase themselves. 😝🐄🐮

Since then, Cath has been supporting us with monthly deliveries from Woolworths with cheese to help us sustain the simple cheese sandwich to young people.

Every little bit counts, so thank you so much to Cath for her care and compassion and Fiona for making it all work.

06/10/2026

We all know someone who doesn’t quite fit. Being teenager is about finding yourself and with Youth Up Front we support young people growing into their potential, getting support and providing stability during those tricky times.

29/09/2026

The numbers don't lie 📈 Youth unemployment is over 10%, more than double the national average. And funding for early intervention programs keeps tightening, right when young people need it most.

This is why community support matters. This is why Youth Up Front exists 🙌

28/09/2026

An amazing man who shared his life and passions and inspired many young people who have crossed our path.

Rock on Angry ❤️ RIP

Very sad Day 😢🙏

25/09/2026

☕ When Joseph started our Skills for Work Café Program, confidence didn't come easily. Social anxiety and low self-belief made it hard to connect.

Through coffee making, customer service and small achievable wins, that started to change. By the end of the program, Joseph had completed an intensive business week and walked away with real job-ready skills.

His dad said it best: being part of Youth Up Front had "done him a world of good."
This is what happens when young people are met with patience, practical support and belief 💜