b'Our work with young peopleWe believe every child and young person deserves a strong start in life.Supporting small Supporting children as they grow, our early childhood education and care servicessports starsfoster confident, creative young learners.Sport is an important part of our local In a nurturing environment, children cancommunities and a boost to physical and mental explore ideas and express their individualitywellbeing. So the closure of clubs during COVID-19 while learning, playing, and havinglockdowns was hard on everyone involved. Thanks adventures with friends. to small grants from Uniting to local clubs in Every young person faces changes andthe Wimmera region, children could get back to challenges. Our services and supports areplaying sport together once the lockdowns were here to help in dealing with adversity. With liftedenjoying the sense of fun and togetherness a safe space and a listening ear, youngthat sporting clubs provide. people can boost their confidence and buildFor one club, this grant meant they could buy skills - creating the kind of life they want. a new portable netball ring for their junior Our out-of-home care offers children andnetballers. The standard rings were too high for young people a protective space away fromthese playersbut with the new ring, they can their family home. This includes foster andpractice goal shooting. These future stars said kinship care, adoption, permanent care andthey felt like the big girls whenever a ball went residential care. into the net. Another club used their grant to purchase helmets A safe space to sharefor their junior football team, so they had enough good quality kits in suitable sizes for the whole team. This year we started our youth program for youngNow all the children feel equal and includednot voice-hearers aged 16-25 years. It builds on to mention a lot safer, with less risk of head injury. our successful program for older voice-hearers,Voices Vic.This program offers support groups with people who understand the unique challenges faced by young adult voice-hearers. Here, young people find support and can access professional help. The group also helps their family, friends and carers, boosting support systems and helping build communication and understanding.14 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2020-2021'