On the 11th of April 2018 Brisbane Youth Service participated in the U Matter Games, which was part of Brisbane Youth Week and Youth Homelessness Matters Day.
This year the U Matter Games was all about getting into the Commonwealth Games spirit to raise awareness of youth homelessness. The Brisbane Roar Soccer Team were special guests who participated with young people across Brisbane in a range of sporting activities and games. A range of services across the city provided food and marquees at the free event.
Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) was started in 1990 by a group of social advocates who were concerned about the number of young people who were experiencing homelessness. Youth Homelessness Matters Day is now an annual event around the country, and each year in Brisbane the Accommodation Coordinators’ Network (ACN) brings the community’s awareness to youth homelessness through the U Matters Games.
The aim of the U Matter Games is to reconnect young people to their community through sport without the huge costs generally associated with joining a sporting or athletics club. The U Matter Games are an opportunity for 12-25year old people to experience the physical and mental benefits that sports provide and additionally boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem.