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QYHC Chat December 2024
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Thank you Minister O’Connor
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Earlier this month, our Executive Director Lorraine and Hayley from Hannah’s House, our SYHS rep, had the pleasure of meeting with Hon Sam O'Connor, our new Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth, alongside his team who’ve hit the ground running in this massive portfolio. It was great to talk to the needs of young people across Queensland, our work thus far and aspirations moving forward. We’re looking forward to 2025 and continuing the momentum in ensuring options of housing and support across regions for young people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk.
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Supports for young people this festive season
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With the festive season upon us, we know many young people will need assistance over the holiday period. We recognise the additional efforts all of our Specialist Youth Homelessness Services put in over this time. For young people in crisis the following supports are also available:
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Free services and support available to community members over the Christmas / Holiday season, including:
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- Christmas meals, food hampers, gifts and toys
- Support services remaining open over the Christmas / New Years period
- Community Centres/Neighbourhood Centres/Community Hub closures
- Free activities, the opening hours of Neighbourhood/Community Centres and other Services, and Emergency Relief and food relief for January 2025.
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Check out where you can get free food across inner Brisbane. This includes hampers and hot meals.
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Regional resources which may be of assistance:
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- Cairns - These emergency relief and food services may be of assistance
- Gold Coast - Act For Kids have prepared a service directory
- Ipswich & Somerset community recovery contacts include a wide range of supports available from housing to emergency relief
- Lockyer Valley Community Diary offers events and services in the local area
- Logan - YFS have prepared Emergency Relief information
- Mt Isa community recovery contacts outline many support options available in the community
- Sunshine Coast Council offers a comprehensive list of food, housing and financial support services
- Townsville QYS has a great list of resources for young people
- Regional Queensland – handy guide of women’s support services is a helpful resource across regions
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Homes for Queenslanders
Youth Subsidy for Community Housing Providers.
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This initiative, part of the Homes for Queenslanders plan, helps eligible young people aged 16 to 25 secure a home.
The Youth Subsidy is available for registered community housing providers to find more opportunities for young people to move out of crisis accommodation into long-term, stable housing.
Read more about the Youth Subsidy here.
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You can read more updates here.
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Renters Relief Package
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Through Homes for Queenslanders, the Queensland Government is further supporting renters to find, get and keep a rental home.
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The Renters Relief Package has expanded eligibility for a range of products and services to help customers find and apply for a place to rent, help to get a rental, and help to keep their place if they’re having financial difficulties. This expanded eligibility means that income limits have increased so more Queenslanders can access renting assistance.
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- For more information visit The QLD government website here
- Or get in touch with your local Housing Service Centre Contact here
- People who need housing help can go to qld.gov.au/housinghelp, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
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Youth Housing Essentials supports young people (25 and under), who are transitioning from government services. It offers short-term, practical, tailored brokerage assistance of up to $5,000 per household to address their essential housing needs.
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It provides access to essential goods and services that are necessary for securing and maintaining housing, such as:
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- furniture, fridge, washing machine and other essential home items
- education or work necessities, such as school stationery and work clothing
- transport and moving costs, such as vehicle registration, Go Cards, removalists and identification
- mobile phone and prepaid phone credit.
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To access Youth Housing Essentials, a young person must be supported by a service provider, support agency or Housing Service Centre – young people are not able to apply for the funding without support.
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Youth Housing essentials can be used in conjunction with other departmental products and services. As an organisation, supporting eligible young people, you can apply for this assistance on behalf of any young people you support who are transitioning from services, such as:
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- living in care (child safety)
- youth justice
- corrections
- temporary supported accommodation
- youth foyers.
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Stay Safe in Hot Weather
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During the summer months, we need to be aware of the potential risks if we experience a heatwave. Heat-related illness can be dangerous, and in some cases, deadly.
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The Department of Housing and Public Works has created a communication pack for social housing tenants which outlines what they should do and what the Department can do to help if a heatwave occurs.
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Find communication pack here.
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Home Time supporters met with Ministers and MPs in the last sitting week of parliament.
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Three young advocates led a delegation of Home Time supporter organisations who met with key Ministers, MPs, and Advisers, including Minister for Housing and Homelessness Hon. Clare O'Neil MP, advocating for a national target of 15,000 dedicated tenancies with support. QYHC is pleased to be part of this campaign.
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Research on ‘youth housing penalty’ launched
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This research examines the financial barriers preventing children and young people from accessing community housing in Australia and explores potential reforms to improve outcomes. It offers three policy recommendations for the Federal Government to remove the youth housing penalty:
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- Increase or supplement rents to align young tenants' rent with that of older cohorts.
- Allow community housing organisations to access the maximum level of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
- Consider tenant income in funding assessments to make youth-focused housing projects financially viable.
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Read the full report here. Home Time has released their first campaign video. Watch it here.
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Help AIFS build an understanding of the use of IPV by young people
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This project seeks to explore how young people's use of intimate partner violence (IPV) differs from adult-perpetrated violence and examines the responses of services and agencies across Australia to this issue.
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If you wish to contribute to this important national response, please review the participant information sheet and complete the survey here.
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Our 24/7 Intake Immediate Supported Accommodation sites are up and running!
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As a part of Towards Ending Homelessness for Young Queenslanders 2022-2027, 5 Immediate Supported Accommodation (ISA) services were funded to enhance service delivery and address regional needs.
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- 24/7 on-site support with two workers available during peak service times.
- 24/7 intake services for improved accessibility.
- Increased capacity to support young people with multiple and/or diverse needs.
These programs are located in the regions of Cairns, Logan, Mount Isa, Moreton Bay, and Rockhampton. In Cairns, where two ISAs operate, each site continues to have a single overnight worker and does not offer 24/7 intake services.
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This program expansion means services have increased capacity to provide the holistic and complex supports many young people require. After an engaging co-design process led by QYHC and Department of Housing, it is exciting to see these services fully operational.
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Young people can contact these services for support at any time on the numbers below:
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- Insync Beenleigh, Anglicare SQ
(07) 3386 2000
- Mithangkaya Nguli - Young People Ahead -
Mt Isa: (07) 4749 0840
- Darumbul - Rockhampton: (07) 4927 5715
- IFYS - Caboolture: (07) 5438 3000
- Anglicare North Queensland, Cairns:
St Margaret’s - (07) 4033 2678;
St John’s - (07) 4032 4971
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Youth Centre Opening Soon
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Logan's first dedicated youth space, the Wilbur Street Youth Centre, will soon open its doors. Rekon Youth will run this Council-owned facility, located next to the Logan Central Library. The centre will feature a range of spaces including a 'hang-out' zone, indoor multi-purpose court, quiet room, rehearsal studio, dedicated First Nations space, creative maker space, technology space, commercial kitchen, laundry, and other amenities.
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Read more information about Rekon Youth here.
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Read more information about the project here.
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REPORTS, ARTICLES AND PUBLICATIONS
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The role of adverse childhood experiences in adolescent use of violence
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There is a strong correlation between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the use of violence in adolescents and young people.
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This paper explores the underlying factors linked to young people use of violence, emphasising the need for early interventions to address their needs and mitigate the likelihood of violent behaviour.
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Deepening Crisis Revealed
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The Australian Homelessness Monitor 2024 reveals a significant rise in homelessness across the country, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
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The report highlights that homelessness services are overwhelmed, with many agencies reporting a sharp increase in demand for assistance over the past year. This surge is largely attributed to a severe shortage of rental housing and a dramatic 51% increase in national median advertised rents since March 2020.
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The rising cost of housing has made it increasingly difficult for people to secure stable accommodation, exacerbating the homelessness crisis.
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New ACOSS Report: Faces of Unemployment
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This ACOSS report highlights significant challenges in Australia's employment market, particularly for low-skilled workers. Since mid-2022, as interest rates have risen, entry-level jobs have seen only a 1.9% increase, compared to a 7.8% increase overall, while job vacancies for these roles have dropped by 39%.
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The report also found that the number of unemployed or underemployed people per job vacancy has increased significantly, from 2.9 to 4.9.
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The findings prompt calls for a reform of Australia's employment services system, which is seen as failing to adequately support those most in need.
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This strategy outlines a comprehensive approach involving the entire government and community to incorporate trauma-informed practices throughout Queensland. Over the next five years, it aims to foster optimal conditions for individuals, families, caregivers, and communities to access the right support as early as possible. Read here.
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Experience of sexual harassment among young Australians: Who, where and how?
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More than half of young Australians aged 16–19 reported experiencing sexual harassment in the past year, according to a new report from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The findings highlight that sexual harassment is a widespread issue, with young females being disproportionately affected.
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AIHW Annual Report Released
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The AIHW 2023-24 Specialist Homelessness Services Annual Report reveals a worsening homelessness crisis in Australia, with significant increases in rough sleeping and unmet demand for emergency accommodation. Some of the key findings are:
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- Persistent Homelessness increased to 37,800 clients (from 29,500 in 2018–19), with key affected groups being young people under 25 (18,100) and women and children experiencing family and domestic violence (15,700).
- Family and Domestic Violence remains the leading cause of homelessness, with over 39% of SHS clients affected.
- The number of people rough sleeping when accessing services has surged by 13% in the past year and 33% over two years.
- One-third of those seeking emergency accommodation are missing out.
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New AIHW analysis reveals devastating outcomes for SHS clients
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New research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals a significant increase in preventable deaths among people experiencing homelessness in Australia. Over the 10 years to 2022, 12,500 people who accessed homelessness services died, equating to a death rate 1.8 times higher than the general population. Read report here.
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The lack of a national system to track deaths among people experiencing homelessness in Australia means that the full extent of the crisis is not understood, hindering the development of effective, life-saving solutions. Invisible deaths among this population are a tragedy, but they are preventable.
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The Australian Health, Housing and Homelessness Network call to action urges the Australian Government to establish a national system to monitor these preventable deaths and to commit to ending homelessness, rather than merely managing it.
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- Sign the petition here.
- Download the social media kit here.
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Is your organisation Child Safe?
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Every child has the right to feel and be safe at all times. Safety requires active effort. The implementation of child safe standards is happening across Queensland – dates are highlighted in the image. Find out more here.
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Youth Empowerment Program
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The Youth Empowerment Program will provide grants of between $300,000 and $1 million to successful applicant organisations to support programs for youth aged 10 to 17 at risk of criminal or anti-social behaviour. These programs should aim to divert young people from crime, reduce recidivism, and build life skills, promoting inclusion, resilience, and stronger family support.
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Applications open on 7 January 2025 and close on 28 January 2025.
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GCBF Funding Rounds Announced!
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In 2025, the Gambling Community Benefit Fund will have 3 funding rounds:
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- Round 123: $35,000 Standard Grant - opening mid-January and closing 28 February
- Round 124: $100,000 Super Round - opening mid-May and closing 30 June
- Round 125: $35,000 Standard Grant - opening mid-September and closing 31 October
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Secure Funding with Skilling Queenslanders for Work
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QCOSS and the Department of Trade, Employment and Training Present: Introduction to Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) Webinar on Tuesday 17 December from 9:30am to 11:30am.
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Learn about SQW programs, successful projects, and strategies to plan your funding application. Ideal for community service leaders, organisations, and employers interested in SQW partnerships. Register here to start your funding journey!
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RESOURCES AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
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Young People and Drugs - Resources, Webinars and Training
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Dovetail’s resources to support those working with young people using alcohol and other drugs are great! Check out the toolkit here
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There’s also online courses to do:
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Self-paces online modules covering introductory to advanced level content – access here.
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An e-learning module to equip workers with a greater knowledge and understanding of nicotine vaping products – access here.
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A relapse prevention and management toolkit that provides resources to help in the delivery of interventions – access here.
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Talking about the elephant
in the room
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Elephant Ed’s vision is to build a world where every individual is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to make informed, healthy, and respectful decisions about consent, relationships, and sexuality.
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Student workshops, Staff PD and Parent Webinars are available. Find more here.
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New resources from WellMob
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Wellmob has launched a new "Workplace Wellbeing Resource Sheet" aimed at supporting workers and promoting culturally safe workplaces. This resource provides a curated selection of links to practical tools and guidance on various topics, including self-care at work, managing cultural load, racism, addressing isolation, and preventing black burnout.
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Updated eLearning:
An introduction to working with young people and drugs
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Dovetail has launched an updated 45-minute eLearning module, "An introduction to working with young people and drugs" aimed at workers engaging one-on-one with young people. It covers the context of young people and AOD use, identifying problematic use, effective communication, and response strategies, along with resources for enhanced interventions and treatment referrals. Access here.
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Queensland Drug Warning
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Queensland Health has just issued a drug warning regarding fake oxycodone tablets containing a strong nitazene opioid. Nitazenes function similarly to heroin or fentanyl, with the potential to cause life-threatening toxicity even in small doses. Read alert here.
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Amplifying the voices of people with disability
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Explore resources that promote the inclusion of people with disability and how practitioners can reinforce their voices.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
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BCC Creative Grants Closing Soon!
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Brisbane-based artists, arts workers, producers, and not-for-profit organisations have limited time to apply for Brisbane City Council's Creative Grant programs, offering funding for creative projects and professional development:
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Creative Sparks Grants Program:
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Purpose: Supports public-facing creative projects.
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Applications close 3pm, Wednesday 8 January 2025.
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Lord Mayor’s Creative Fellowships:
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Purpose: Supports professional development for emerging and early-career creatives.
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Applications close 3pm, Wednesday 15 January 2025.
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Paint and Milkshake Session
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Join a creative art session on 22 January 2025 at Gould Adams Community Centre. Sip on your fav milkshake and make new friends. Read flyer here.
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Acknowledging Country Art Workshops
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Starting on 9 January 2025 and running on a weekly basis on Thursday nights, young people will have a chance to express themselves through an art and yarns project. It is being held at the Red Cross Night Café. Find more here.
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Take it to the Streets
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Take it to the Streets is a free sports program for 13 to 18 year olds being offered in various locations on the north side of Brisbane. Sign up for your chance to play basketball, soccer, pickle ball and more!
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There’s many services available at Indooroopilly Headspace:
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- A dietician can help with meal planning and fostering a positive relationship with food – find poster here.
- Alcohol and Drugs Counselling provided by Clarence Street and helps with making positive changes to drug and alcohol use – find poster here.
- Dungeons and Dragons, all players are welcome to join an original campaign created by experienced masters – find poster here.
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Visible Ink Youth Hub has the following available for young people aged 12-15 years:
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- Sound Sessions – this includes open mic nights, jam sessions media studio inductions – find poster here.
- Art Sessions – exploring visual arts skills in a relaxed environment – find poster here.
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*Note: Visible Ink Youth Hub is closed for the Christmas Break from 20 December 2024 to 7 January 2025.*
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In Case you missed last month’s
Reports, Articles and Publications
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Australia’s rental crisis reaches
new heights: 2024 Rental Affordability Index
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The 2024 Rental Affordability Index highlights the worsening rental crisis in Australia. The report reveals record-low rental affordability across most major cities and regions, with regional Queensland being the least affordable regional area in Australia. Rental markets in all major cities and regional areas are now deemed "critically unaffordable" for individuals dependent on JobSeeker, part-time parenting payments, or pensions. A major concern for young people as in Queensland, a single person on the JobSeeker payment, is paying 93% of their income for a one bedroom rental. Read more here.
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Climate change related worry in children and young people: What does the research evidence say?
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This article, created in collaboration with Emerging Minds, summarises current knowledge about climate change-related anxiety and its impact on the mental health of children and young people. It seeks to raise awareness of this issue among practitioners in health, social, or community services who work with children and youth. Read here.
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Culturally safe practice and support
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Explore resources related to culturally safe practice and support for children, young people and families:
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Measuring housing affordability: Scoping the real cost of housing
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The rising proportion of Australians renting in the private market is a multigenerational phenomenon. While four in five Australian renters aspire to home ownership, less than half expect they will ever own their own home. This is a significant shift that requires rethinking of tax and housing systems so that governments’ support all Australians in a two tier housing market (of owners and renters) into retirement. Read report here.
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Traditional Custodian engagement in urban policy requires reset
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‘Voicing First Nations Country, Culture, and Community in Urban Policy,’ explores the connection between First Nations peoples in Australia and urban policy and planning. It focuses on how to prioritise First Nations sovereignty, authority, knowledge, governance, and agency as the foundation for building a more responsible and respectful relationship.
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People receiving specialist homelessness services support in the last year of life
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New research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals a significant increase in preventable deaths among people experiencing homelessness in Australia. Over the 10 years to 2022, 12,500 people who accessed homelessness services died, equating to a death rate 1.8 times higher than the general population.
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Young people under youth justice supervision and their interaction with the child protection system
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This report presents information on young people under youth justice supervision during 2022–23 who had interactions with the child protection system over the previous 10 years. The key finding is that nearly 2 in 3 (65%) young people under youth justice supervision in 2022–23 had some form of interaction with the child protection system within this 10-year period. Read the report here.
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Community factors that help foster resilience in young people who have experienced maltreatment
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This brief article highlights the key findings of a systematic review by Jean-Thorn et al. (2023), which explored how community factors can promote resilience in young people (aged ≤24 years) who have experienced maltreatment. It offers valuable insights for practitioners and services supporting young people and families affected by maltreatment. Read here.
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Measuring housing affordability: Scoping the real cost of housing
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This research examined government policies and practices and analysed Australian case studies to gain insights into the quality, energy efficiency, location, and transportation aspects of housing affordability. The findings highlight the necessity for a universally adopted definition of safe and healthy housing standards across Australia. Read report here.
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With the right incentives, ‘Mum and Dad’ landlords could help deliver affordable housing
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This research highlights that 90% of property investors in Australia are small-scale "Mum and Dad" landlords, making them a key focus for government strategies to expand affordable housing. Landlords participating in affordable housing schemes report positive experiences, and the research suggests that increased awareness of these opportunities could attract more participants. Read report here.
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Clinical profiles of people enrolling in alcohol and other drug treatment in Australia: Do youth differ from young adults and adults?
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This study examined treatment episodes in NGOs, focusing on client characteristics and mental health symptoms related to alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues. It found that many young people, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, experience co-occurring mental health problems alongside substance use. Brief interventions were effective for many clients, suggesting that a stepped-care approach could be beneficial for young people with less severe substance use. Read full report.
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