Across communities, there are people who are ready for change but unsure how to begin. They may have the capability to return to study or move toward employment, but need a point of entry that recognises where they are now. A stepping stone, or a way back in.
Cire received funding from the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA) through the Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Grant Activity to design and deliver a program supporting pathways to self-reliance, wellbeing, and long-term engagement in education, employment, and community life. This program, titled EmpowerHER, would be 12 sessions open to women of all backgrounds throughout the first half of 2026.
EmpowerHER brought together two groups of women from across the Yarra Ranges of varying life stages, from their twenties through to their sixties. Most had studied before, although for many it had been years. Life had shifted direction. Confidence had dropped. For some, the impact of COVID-19 lingered. For others, health challenges, caring responsibilities or mental health had made it difficult to move forward.
“Sometimes I get frustrated at myself when I don’t do the things I want to do.”
The Yarra Ranges Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2029 reports that one in five residents experiences loneliness, along with a broader need to strengthen wellbeing, resilience and social connection. In practice, these challenges are closely linked. Without connection, it becomes harder to take the next step.
EmpowerHER was designed as a face-to-face, community-based program for this reason.
Starting Where You Are
The program was built for women who could see their next step, but weren’t ready to take it yet.
Over 12 weeks, small groups at Cire Community Hubs in Chirnside Park and Yarra Junction met regularly to explore practical topics such as financial literacy, communication, and everyday decision-making. These topics were chosen by Cire Training after research and feedback pointed to a clear community need for support in these areas.
The delivery shaped the experience. Led by passionate trainer Kristin, sessions were broken into short segments, with brief videos, discussion, and hands-on activities alternating throughout. Participants engaged in different ways, at their own pace. Kristin, the facilitator, adjusted each session in response to the group. More discussion here, more structure there. Some sessions involved a workshop where participants would practise the skills and offer feedback to each other, learning collaboratively and developing a growth mindset as trust deepened.
The environment played an equally important role. Lighting could be adjusted, and people chose where to sit. Some worked at tables, others on the floor, and others stood. For participants who identified as neurodivergent, this flexibility supported focus and comfort.
Kristin brought her own experiences into the room, sharing where she had struggled or learned something new. That openness carried through the group. Participants reflected honestly, compared approaches, and began to test new ways of thinking.
From Engagement to Connection
Sessions would shift from teaching to validation. One session on financial literacy, for example, transitioned from theory into real life.
One participant was in the process of buying a car. Another wanted to start but felt unsure where to begin. Insurance, transfer fees, registration. Someone mentioned the rego rebate. Another shared what they knew about insurance, and Kristin spoke about her own experience navigating the same decisions.
People leaned forward with interest. What car was their friend buying? How did they choose? They asked questions, compared situations, and responded to each other. There were moments of agreement, small bursts of laughter, and the conversation extended to the pressures participants were facing, from rising costs to everyday decisions they had been putting off.
“I’ll miss having this group to take me out of the house… but now I know what I need.”
Participants supported each other in ways that can only happen face to face. Whether or not connections continue beyond the program, there was a sense of being understood. Problems felt more manageable when they were spoken out loud.
What Changed
For some participants, the impact showed up quickly. One woman enrolled in Cire’s Reconnect program to continue building support beyond the group. Another took a step into a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Others described a more subtle shift. They felt better now they’d engaged with other people. They had a better idea of what they wanted to do, and how to begin that journey. The idea of striving for their goals felt less daunting with community connection.
For many, it was a return to learning. Sitting, listening, contributing, and feeling capable in that space again.
What We Learned
Programs like EmpowerHER sit between disengagement and formal pathways. Many people are capable of study or employment but are not yet ready to move directly into it.
Time away from education, combined with life pressures, can make that step feel too large. Re-engagement begins with connection to other people, learning environments, and the belief that the next step is possible.
The group format and session flexibility supported this naturally. Participants learned from each other as much as from the facilitator, while being able to engage in a way that worked best for them. Shared experiences created a sense of normality around challenges that might otherwise feel isolating.
Many participants had not previously engaged with Cire or similar services. Through the program, they became aware of available supports, training options, and community resources. This knowledge extended beyond the sessions, with participants sharing information and encouraging each other to take next steps.
“I think I like doing things this way, that’s what works for me.”
EmpowerHER showed how a low-pressure, inclusive program can support a transition to learning and engagement. It demonstrated the value of creating space for people to reconnect with learning in a way that feels practical and achievable. Participants talked about their plans with growing confidence, and are now willing to take their next step. For one participant, that meant leaving the house each week and being part of a group again.
This is where change begins.
Explore ongoing opportunities for upskilling and social connections at Cire Community Hubs here.
If you’re unsure about returning to study or employment, have a look at Cire Training’s pre-accredited pathways.
