Hot on the heels of our Platform 1225 Conference, we welcomed the specialist youth homelessness sector back to Rydges Southbank the following day to engage our brains trust in workshops focused on the needs of young people. SYHS staff from around Queensland as well as some representatives from youth services in New South Wales dove into the topics of key messaging, election asks, under 16s, meeting the varied needs of young people and workforce development. Supported by the QYHC team, each table discussed and answered key questions whilst reflecting on presentations from Platform 1225.
Young people being front and centre in decisions about them was a central theme. So too was the importance of place-based planning with wrap around support. There was a strong call from workshop participants for all services to have brokerage funds. The need for early intervention and prevention programs with a focus on family support and domestic and family violence were highlighted once again.
We presented a suggested model of support for the under 16s cohort which generated great discussion and debate. Services that focus on the age group of 12 to 15 year olds are a major gap. Guardianship and legal concerns were discussed. The most impactful response is early intervention. Services need to be working with families, in particular young families and providing parenting support.
The workshop gave QYHC the opportunity to introduce the Immediate Supported Accommodation Expansion (ISA) Program to the wider sector. Workshop participants provided QYHC and the ISA Expansion 5 sites with insights into developing the model and best providing support to young people with multiple and complex needs.
After a morning of discussion, the afternoon provided workshop participants with the opportunity to be creative and design materials that could be used in QYHC’s ending homelessness for young people campaign. We have a multi-talented workforce who came up with fantastic logos, memes and campaign material. We used these materials in our mail out to all the local candidates for each electorate in the state election.
We look forward to bringing the sector together again in 2025. There is always an energising vibe in the room, and we love having the opportunity to be together.
