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October 2023 Edition
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Specialist Youth Homelessness Services Shining
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Happy 2nd Birthday Gold Coast Youth Foyer
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The Gold Coast Youth Service’s Foyer turned 2 this month. The heartwarming celebration spotlighted by the generosity of young people sharing their appreciation and stories of success. As one young woman in quoting the Diary of Anne Frank said – "There may be misery outside but there’s beauty within."
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The Gold Coast Youth Foyer has now supported more than 60 young people with a safe place to call home. It provides support for up to 40 young people between 16 and 25 years of age.
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Watch 7News Gold Coast video here.
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The Moreton region homelessness services and colleagues were treated to a wonderful community conference. QYHC was delighted to attend to see old friends and meet some new ones. The content was thought provoking and the delivery filled with humour, vulnerability, and warmth.
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A beautiful welcome to Country from Song Woman Maroochy opened proceedings. Keynote speaker Professor Cameron Parsell spoke about opportunities for Housing First to innovate what we imagine is possible in how we respond to people who experience homelessness. An important reminder that we can eradicate homelessness with the will to do so. We can also eradicate poverty, a vital factor in homelessness. We demonstrated this through the pandemic when those in living in poverty on income support were no longer living in poverty with the economic support payments and coronavirus supplement. It’s financially less expensive and socially far less costly to our people and communities to address poverty and end homelessness.
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It was great to catch up with Dr Phil Crane. Phil, Tammy & Alannah overviewed Youth Connect and putting Connection to Culture at the centre of practice with Indigenous young people leaving care.
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An awe-inspiring Detective Seargent spoke to putting the human into policing and working with vulnerability and humility in the vulnerable person’s unit. Self-care and suicide prevention also featured. An action packed, feel fab day!
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Congratulations Chameleon!
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QYHC AGM
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Join us for our Annual General meeting on November 23rd at 4pm on teams.
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You can become a member and support the work of QYHC.
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The Services Union campaign is growing with allies across Queensland joining in support of Specialist Youth Homelessness Services (SYHS). We’re requesting an increase to 2 workers for our 24/7 communal services for young people. Also, a 25% increase in funding across SYHS to ameliorate the decades without funding increases. Such an increase will also enhance the capacity of Specialist Youth Homelessness Services to respond to the growing needs of young people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk.
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Queensland Media Club
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Wonderful to be part of the Queensland Media Club luncheon featuring our Housing Minister, Hon Meaghan Scanlon speaking on Queensland's response to the housing crisis. A succinct update of an action packed 12 months since the Housing Summit. So much has happened. Still so much to do as we navigate a national housing crisis and the complexities of building homes as fast as the population and need grows.
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Minister Scanlon spoke to her desire to “put people back at the heart of the housing system.” We needed 77 thousand additional dwellings just to accommodate the increasing population. Increasing costs for remote areas are significant with builds in remote areas costing up to 1 million dollars. She will continue to advocate for Queensland’s fair share of the national budget regardless of what government is in power.
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We’re building 10 new homes a week and have been doing so for the past 3 years. Several innovative options have been rolled out including our own factory-made builds that allow for construction in a matter of weeks.
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“Everyone deserves the safety, security and dignity of a place to call home” said Minister Scanlon. "We’re giving more latitude to have granny flats on properties, rental packages and there will be 14,00 new homes by 2027." She also acknowledges that some need extra wrap around support alongside housing. Certainly, the case for many young people. The possibility of a code of conduct for Real Estate agents and the commitment to continue to buy up NRAS homes were also topics of conversation. A big thank you Services Union for your hospitality!
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National Housing Conference 2023
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Earlier this month QYHC attended the National Housing Conference in Brisbane. The three-day conference covered a broad range of housing and homelessness issues including conversations on the national agenda, approaches to finance and investment of affordable housing, regional housing, renting, Housing First, climate, decarbonisation of the housing sector, placemaking and community building, role of local government, First Nations housing, and planning and design. The conference also included presentations from Federal Housing, Homelessness & Small Business Minister Hon Julie Collins MP and Queensland Housing Minister Hon Meaghan Scanlon.
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Within the scope of youth housing and homelessness, the conference showcased housing solutions for young people leaving care in Western Australia through the Home Stretch program. This presentation highlighted the importance of co-design with young people with lived experience, and challenges within high median rent regional communities. The conference also looked at models for youth housing and the need for strategies to open up young people’s access to community housing. Modelling was presented demonstrating the level of subsidy needed to cover this cost gap across a number of benefit types.
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CHQ - Youth Summit
Empowering Young People
through Collective Action
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QYHC attended the CHQ Youth Summit, an annual event of the CHQ Sponsored Collaborative (Supporting Advocacy for Youth – SAY), of which QYHC is a founding member. Keynote speaker for the Summit was National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollands, who spoke on the importance of communities listening to young people to guide service responses to their needs. As young people have no voice (or vote) to influence political decision-making it is incumbent on adults to hold public systems accountable to ensure young people’s health and wellbeing is prioritised.
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The Summit included great presentations by Brisbane Youth Service, The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP), Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMHS), Institute of Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), FractalCairns, Logan Youth Foyer, and Yourtown. It was strengthened by the voice and facilitation of 5 young people with lived experience.
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Mental Health Spotlight
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Queensland Mental Health Week promotes individual and community mental health and wellbeing, boosts awareness of mental illness, stigma and discrimination and celebrates the contribution of the mental health and community sectors.
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This year’s theme is “Awareness, Belonging, Connection’, reflecting the important factors that help people maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.
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Wellbeing professionals in schools
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Psychologists and other wellbeing professionals are joining our schools to support student and family wellbeing. Soon every state school student will have access to free appointments. As of September, this year, there were 453 Psychologists and wellbeing professionals in schools and more are on their way.
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There is still time to support Yfoundations and sign the petition if you haven’t already done so. We are so close to our 10,000 signature target which ensures it will be raised in parliament. Sign here.
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Response to Police Union’s boss
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QYHC joined with First Nation Elders, countless peaks, academics and community organisations in an open letter addressing an ill-advised Opinion piece in the Courier Mail by Police Union boss Ian Leavers last week.
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Read the Joint Media Statement QPS First Nations Advisory Group, Supporters and Allies here.
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Media coverage by The Guardian here and here.
Media coverage by Brisbane times here.
Media coverage by ABC here and here.
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Media coverage by National Indigenous Times here.
Media coverage by Sydney Morning Herald here.
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QCOSS Media release here.
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Sexual Violence Awareness Month
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October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Queensland, a time to come together as a community to support survivors and spread awareness. These important messages have been shared throughout the month:
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- We believe that sexual violence is an unacceptable violation of human rights. No one should ever have to endure it, and it is NEVER your fault.
- If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, please know that you are not alone, and there is help and support available.
- In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or go to your local hospital's emergency department.
- If you've recently experienced sexual assault, remember you can call the Sexual Assault Helpline at 1800 010 120. They're available 7 days a week from 7.30 am to 11.30 pm to provide information, referrals, and support.
- If you're considering reporting the violence to the police, try not to change your clothes, comb your hair, or wash yourself, as this could remove evidence. A medical examination can also be crucial for gathering evidence if you decide to report to the police.
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Support is available for anyone impacted by sexual violence. Reach out to:
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- 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732 offers 24/7 telephone and online crisis support.
- Lifeline on 13 11 14 offers 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Queensland Sexual Assault Help Line on 1800 010 120, 7 days per week 7.30 am - 11.30 pm. This state-wide helpline offers telephone support and crisis counselling to anyone who has been sexually assaulted or abused, and for anyone who is concerned about someone they care about.
- The Queensland Sexual Assault Network (QSAN) has contact details for regional and specific-focus services, including support for First Nations, migrant and young (aged 12-25 years) women and girls, women with intellectual and learning disabilities, and specific men's services
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Safe Places Grant Opportunity
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The Department will hold information sessions in early October. The information sessions will provide guidance on the grant opportunity guidelines, eligibility and assessment criteria, and an opportunity to ask questions. You can register for an information session on Eventbrite.
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The grant opportunity will close on 14 November 2023. For more information on the grant opportunity, please head to the Grant Connect website.
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Great Rebates for
Energy Efficient Appliances
The Queensland government are offering rebates between $300-$1000 on energy efficient appliances - 4 star or more.
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All households / low-income households.
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Washing machines and dryers - $300 / $550
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Dishwashers - $300 / $550
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Air conditioners - $400 / $650
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Hot water systems - $800 / $1000
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Find more information here.
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Government launches guide
to assist media reporting
on sexual violence
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A new guide developed by the Queensland Government to help media report appropriately and responsibly on sexual violence is now available. The guide includes information on new laws about the public naming of those charged with prescribed sexual offences, such as rape and sexual assault, set to commence on 3 October 2023.
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This resource to assist journalists was developed in response to a recommendation from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce. For more information about the Sexual Violence Media Guide, click here.
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Extending Post Care Support for Queensland Young People
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Extended post care support options now available for young people until they’re 21 years.
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As of July 1st, 2023, young people turning 18 will receive additional supports including: cultural support, financial support and allowances for extended family-based care. Read all the details are in this important fact sheet.
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Homeless Connect Brisbane
As everyone is probably already aware, Councils next Homeless Connect will be held on Friday 3 November 2023 at the Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills. Download the flyer here.
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Victim Assistance Update
The Victim Assistance Funding includes investment of more than $200 million over the next five years to boost victim support services.
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- Victim Assist Queensland (VAQ) provides a lump sum special assistance payment to eligible victims of crime with violence under the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 (the VOCA Act).
- The Government has announced a significant increase in special assistance payments and the maximum financial assistance available to victims.
- The VOCA Act will need to be amended and pass through parliament before the changes come into effect.
- Until the legislation passes, VAQ are unable to advise on the timing of the proposed changes or provide further information about the changes.
- VAQ will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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The VAQ website will be updated as new information is known, click here.
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Act Against Gender-based Violence
WHEQ facilitates workplace education workshops with groups of 15 – 25 participants. Each workshop runs for 3 hours.
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Orygen and Mission Australia have released the Social exclusion and the mental health of young people: Insights from the 2022 Mission Australia Youth Survey report.
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The report examines the relationships between mental health and social exclusion among young people aged 15-19 years. Social exclusion was defined across four domains: housing challenges, relational difficulties, financial hardships and education/employment issues. Key findings include:
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- 60 per cent of young people experienced social exclusion in at least one domain, and 25 per cent experienced social exclusion across multiple domains.
- Social exclusion was strongly associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing.
- Young people who were more likely to experience social exclusion included gender diverse young people, Indigenous young people, those living in regional or remote areas, young people who speak a language other than English and those living in locations of lower socioeconomic conditions.
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You can read the report here.
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ACOSS Raise the Rate Report
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The campaign to Raise the Rate for Good is key to reducing poverty and inequality in Australia. QYHC is an avid advocate for addressing the appalling rates of income support. Poverty early in life is an indicator of long-term homelessness. Eradicating poverty is key to addressing many social ills faced by members of our communities. A level of income support for young people that that ensures they can actively participate, both socially and economically, is essential.
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The IT industry says yes to sector programs to solve its skills shortages and give young people a go at better quality jobs
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In 2020, David Pearson, the CEO of AAEH, was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to better understand how communities around the world are reducing and ending street homelessness.
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David’s final report as a part of his Fellowship: Homelessness is solvable: How we can end it in Australia is now available.
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You can read David’s report here.
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Everybody's Home Report
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Across Australia, concern about the housing crisis has never been greater. Asking rents have been rising steadily for decades, and have surged to extreme levels over recent years. More households are in housing stress, and severe housing stress, than at any other time in our history. And the shortfall in social housing has peaked at record-highs as waiting lists stretch longer than anyone thought possible. Amidst these statistics are the experiences of people. More and more are missing out on the dream of a home, including renters who have been forgotten and ignored in debates about housing for years. They now face a housing market that has never been less affordable or more volatile as they are forced to spend record amounts to keep a roof over their heads.
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Crisis Accommodation in Australia
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Each year more than 160,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness seek crisis accommodation from Specialist Homelessness Services SHS. Not all can be accommodated, and many are turned away. For those who do access crisis accommodation, experiences vary significantly.
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New research, ‘Crisis accommodation in Australia: now and for the future’, undertaken for AHURI explores the different crisis accommodation models operating in Australia and found:
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- Many more people need crisis accommodation than can access it.
- SHS are forced to use purchased short-term accommodation, such as boarding houses, motels and caravan parks. This accommodation is often inappropriate and provides inadequate support.
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The National Trend of School Refusal and Related Matters
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This report, from the Parliament of Australia, about school refusal includes information on: prevalence, drivers, and impacts of school refusal; the need for a national approach to addressing school refusal; and barriers and opportunities related to addressing school refusal.
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Other Reports
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Innovation for Young People’s Employment:
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How to Tackle the Rental Crisis:
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AHURI on First Home Buyers:
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Human Rights Training
The Queensland Human Rights Commission is providing training sessions including:
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- Introduction to the Human Rights Act
- Introduction to the Anti-discrimination Act
- Human Rights Act for Community Advocates
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Find the dates and register here.
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Registrations are still open for the extra session scheduled for Wednesday 1st November 3:30pm-5:00pm to explore Youth Work and Primary Crime Prevention. At this session, Siyavash will share his experience of managing a primary crime prevention project for 8 years in a low socio-economic community. This project focused on strengthening community and social structures and was highly successful in reducing criminalisation of young people. He will also draw on 20-years of youth justice research and advocacy.
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Coercive Control Literature Review
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‘Laying Down the Law’
Online Training
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Youth Advocacy Centre’s ‘Laying Down the Law’ online version of their highly sought after youth worker training program has launched!!!
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Fantastic training for those in the youth support sector that can be completed from your home or office.
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Responding to Young People’s
AOD Use
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In other exciting news Dovetail recently released a new practice video which targets Specialist Youth Housing workers and OoHC Resi workers!
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There are two one-day workshops, Enhancing Community Development Practice in Neighbourhood Centres on the 15th November (Southside Brisbane) and 17th November (Northside Brisbane), for practitioners based in neighbourhood/community centres who wish to learn more about community development. These workshops will be practical, active, challenging and fun!
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CDC are happy to travel to provide their training across Queensland.
Read the flyer here. Register here.
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Introducing Real Talk:
About Sex n' Stuff
A co-designed relationships and sexuality education resource. Through a series of co-design workshops, True Relationships & Reproductive Health asked young people aged 16-25 what was most important to them when it comes to relationships and sexuality education. The result is Real Talk: About Sex n' Stuff, an evidence-based, inclusive, and shame-free illustrated booklet that empowers young people to:
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- Recognise healthy vs unhealthy relationship behaviours.
- Understand consent and communicate with respect.
- Have enjoyable and safer sexual experiences.
- Embrace their unique identity.
You can access the resource here.
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When sharing with the young people you work with or who access your services, please keep in mind that Real Talk: About Sex n’ Stuff contains illustrations of nudity and sex and is recommended for people aged 16+. You can print the entire PDF or select individual pages to fit your educational/service needs. Hard copies can be mailed upon request by emailing hello@true.org.au.
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You are some of the first people to engage with Real Talk: About Sex n’ Stuff and TRUE are relying on your feedback to make this resource as impactful as possible. Stay tuned for a follow up survey in the coming weeks to ask how you’ve found using the resource and its reception.
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What influences supportive peer relationships in the middle years?
This new short article summarises the determinants of supportive peer relationships in early adolescence.
It aims to help guide your work with young people in their middle years. Read more here.
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INFORMATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
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Seeking Talented Youth Actors
Mind Blanks is a mental health promotion charity seeking young talented actors to become part of their acting ensemble in Brisbane and surrounding areas. If you know any local young talented creative artists who would love a chance to make a real difference in the community, Mind Blank has a wonderful opportunity to provide:
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- paid casual employment to support a creative career
- social education and youth development experience
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Support Your Mental Health
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Smiling Mind provides daily mindfulness and meditation guides at your fingertips. Their evidence-based tools support people to learn the skills to maintain their mental health in fun and interactive ways. Find out more here.
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AOD Program for
LGBTIQ+ Young People
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The Alcohol and Other Drug Program at Open Doors Youth Service provides psychosocial interventions to LGBTIQ+ young people between the ages of 12 to 24 who are experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use, or who are impacted by the alcohol or drug use of others. Refer here.
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Helping Hands TV
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Helping Hands TV have recently launched a series accessible on 9Now. Vignettes are presented on the Benefits of Community connection, Young People and Anxiety, Paying It Forward and many others.
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The Sleep Ninja App
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Sleep Ninja is a free adolescent focused app which helps young people improve their sleep. Over 6 weeks, the six training sessions go through the importance and role of sleep, raise own awareness of habits that are contributing to poor sleep hygiene and teaches behavioural and cognitive strategies to change unhelpful sleep patterns. Find out more here.
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Everybody’s Home is a national campaign to address the housing crisis. It focuses on working together to call on Australian governments to bring balance back to the system, so that everybody has a place to call home.
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The campaign will be working with their 42,000 partners to strengthen the Government’s 10 year National Housing and Homelessness Plan and the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement. We simply cannot end the current shortfall without Government funding.
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Call to Halve Child Poverty by 2030
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Poverty affects far too many Australian children and families, diminishing their life opportunities now and into the future. As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, it’s just not right that 1 in 6 of our children grow up in poverty.
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The campaign calls upon all politicians to commit to halve child poverty by 2030. QYHC is cognisant that childhood poverty is strongly connected to homelessness as a young person and in later life. Addressing poverty is essential. Find out more here.
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QYHC is a member of Make Renting Fair Queensland. Ensuring fair rental laws for young people is essential, it is incredibly difficult for young people to access the private rental market.
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You can find out more about the campaign and become a supporter here.
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We’re also keen supporters of Raise the Rate – it is essential to keep young people out of poverty for them to thrive. You can find out more and join the campaign here.
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In The News
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A snapshot of October media coverage of matters impacting young people including homelessness.
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