Outcomes

PARTNERSHIP is a critical ingredient used by Brisbane North Reconnect and local school staff to wrap support around vulnerable young people and stop the trajectory of youth homelessness.

School Guidance Officers like Jocelyn Pearce are often “first to know” when a young person’s housing circumstance becomes unstable. Jocelyn assists young people to connect with Brisbane North Reconnect.

In Semester 2, 2023, Jocelyn invited Brisbane North Reconnect’s to Wavell State High School to run weekly sessions, known as ‘Connection Group’, for young people living with risk of homelessness (e.g. isolation, family conflict, economic and social stressors) as well as student leaders with motivation to help others. At these sessions, Reconnect Workers listened to young people’s experiences of communication, relationships, dealing with stress, identity and reaching out for help. Young people said co-designing weekly activities gave them a say, increasing safety to speak up about concerns and learn skills to respond differently. Four months later, saying yes to an early referral for individual support with Brisbane North Reconnect was made easier for one participant because they had met the workers at the group. Normalising help, seeking and giving young people time to understand what’s important to them, helps improve family relationships, participation at school and mental health. The Connection Group sessions is an example of how creative responses foster early intervention outcomes.