We’re proud to announce the opening of our newest café: The Little Social at the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre. This isn’t just another coffee spot – it’s a vital part of our social enterprise mission to empower young people experiencing disadvantage with real-world training and employment opportunities.

As part of Youth Projects, The Little Social operates as a social enterprise with purpose at its core. Every coffee we serve and every sandwich we make helps fund programs that directly support young people facing barriers to employment – including structured hospitality training, wraparound support, and access to critical health and homelessness services.

This latest café, located within the state-of-the-art Paula Fox Centre and developed in partnership with Alfred Health, marks a significant step forward. More than just a treatment hub for people living with melanoma and cancer, the centre also houses a Wellness Centre – a calm, supportive space for patients, carers, and staff. Our café is here to complement that atmosphere, offering not just great coffee, but warmth, compassion and connection.

Being trusted to lead this project from the ground up has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. From shaping the look and feel of the space to developing the marketing approach, it’s been important to create something that truly reflects our values. I’m excited to welcome our first trainees and see this space grow into something even more meaningful.

Nathaly Pretel, Café Manager, The Little Social

But what truly sets this café apart is what happens behind the counter. It’s where young people – many who have experienced hardship – are learning the ropes of hospitality through our Here 4 Hospitality program. They gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment, build essential jobs skills, and grow their confidence through real, meaningful work.

Every dollar spent at The Little Social is reinvested back into Youth Projects initiatives – like The Living Room, which provides primary health and housing support for those experiencing homelessness, and employment programs that give young people the tools they need to succeed long-term.

“This new site means so much more than serving coffee. It’s about building brighter futures. Through our partnership with Alfred Health, we’re providing young people with an opportunity to train, thrive, and transition into sustainable employment in the hospitality industry”.

Celeste Norris, Head of Social Enterprise at Youth Projects

Opening this café is just the beginning. It’s a call to action for individuals, businesses, and organisations that believe in the power of community, inclusion, and social change. Whether you want to explore a partnership, book catering with a purpose, or simply learn more about how we create impact – we’d love to connect.

Because real change starts with meaningful opportunities. And together we can brew a better future.

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