By Georgia FreeThursday 18 May 2023Hope DriveWorkReading Time: 2 minutes
Losing your job or returning to the workforce after an extended period can be a daunting prospect. But Project Displaced is standing in the gap. Entirely volunteer run, they offer free career coaching and resilience training to those looking to return to work.
Project Displaced founder Anthony Cohen joined Hope Drive this National Volunteer Week to discuss how the service began and how it impacts Aussies across the country.
Born from need
Project Displaced was born out of the overwhelming need for support, following post-pandemic job losses, starting as resume workshops, but now growing to include one-on-one career coaching, mental health first aid and resilience training after job loss.
“More and more, we are finding people are burnt out from different industries,” Anthony said.
“We also see a lot of mums returning to work for the first time.
“There are lots of people trying to deal with lack of confidence, explaining career gaps and transitioning skills. We help with all of that.”
Want to volunteer?
Run entirely by volunteers, Anthony encourages those with qualifications in career coaching, human resources and mental health first aid to get involved – for as little as an hour a month.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of community organisations like ours,” Anthony said.
“Anyone with skills, time and passion for the community can get in touch.”
Encouragement to those experiencing job loss
Offering services seven days a week, completely free of charge, Anthony encourages anyone who is struggling with job loss to reach out to Project Displaced.
“You are not alone,” Anthony said.
“Everyone is worthy, everyone deserves help.
“Everyone is worthy, everyone deserves help,” – Anthony Cohen, Project Displaced founder
“And we believe that anyone who needs help should have access to it, whenever they need it.”
Listen to Anthony’s full interview in the player above.
To find out more about Project Displaced, head to projectdisplaced.com.
Project Displaced received a grant from IMB Bank Community Foundation. Other community groups looking for a funding boost can also head to the IMB website to apply for the 2023 round of community grants. Applications close June 16.