The Smith Family is issuing a call to young people in and around Ballarat who are interested in improving their financial decision-making skills by participating in new program called 'Money for Wellbeing'.

Twenty young people from Ballarat will have the opportunity to receive a nationally-recognised Certificate 1 in Financial Services and a $500 Wellbeing Bonus upon completion of the program.  Participants will also go into a draw to receive one of three laptop computers donated by Lenovo to support their participation in the next phase of the program implementing what they have learned through ongoing support and communication with a mentor.

Developed by The Smith Family in partnership with AXA Australia, Money for Wellbeing is an innovative new program to support young people aged 18-24.  The program is open to young people starting employment or apprenticeships and students commencing tertiary study.  The focus is on developing healthy attitudes and behaviours around financial decision-making and money management, combining financial and emotional literacy.

Participants will complete six workshops during September and October 2011, covering a range of practical topics for young people such as consumer credit, insurance, and superannuation. Upon successful completion of the workshops participants will be awarded a Certificate 1 in Financial Services and matched with a mentor to reinforce and apply skills and positive behaviour change across a 12 month period. The program aims to strengthen participants' ability to develop and follow a financial plan, build confidence and self-efficacy in making financial decisions, and strengthen personal satisfaction around financial decision-making and personal motivation.

The Smith Family's Learning for Life Team Leader Brenton Hancock said, "Young people face a growing number of financial choices and decisions and it's important to empower them to be confident in making positive decisions about their finances so they can achieve their personal education or career goals."

"Money for Wellbeing is a great opportunity for young people to gain practical skills and receive guidance from a mentor to make positive financial decisions. I really encourage anyone interested to get in touch so they can have the opportunity to reap the benefits of this program," he said.