Q&A with Lou Baker – Young Women, Families, and Safe Relationships Senior Manager
Every young person deserves safety, stability, and the chance to thrive. Yet three out of four young people supported by Brisbane Youth Service have experienced family violence, and half have faced intimate partner violence. Many are also parents – 30% last year, with 20% of those parents caring for newborns when they first connected with us.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, our Young Women, Families, and Safe Relationships Programs are breaking cycles of violence and homelessness through early intervention, crisis response, and recovery supports.
We spoke with Lou Baker, Senior Manager for Young Women, Families, and Safe Relationships, about the challenges young people navigate, their strength and determination, and the difference your support makes.
The demand for our services is higher than ever, and the needs are more complex.
What are the biggest challenges facing the young women and young families you meet?
The realities we see every day are confronting. Many young people we support are navigating complex trauma, including domestic violence and sexual abuse, alongside the ongoing housing crisis. Homelessness, unsafe environments, and a lack of support make daily life incredibly tough. The demand for our services is higher than ever, and the needs are more complex. Despite this, our team is committed to walking alongside each young person, respecting their pace and priorities, and offering support however we can.
Can you share a moment of hope or change that stands out from this year?
There are so many, but two stories really stand out. One is Essie’s*, who you may have heard about if you received our mid-year appeal letter. After fleeing violence, Essie and her children were homeless, moving from place to place, never knowing what tomorrow would bring. Thanks to the compassion of our supporters, Essie now has a safe home. Her children no longer have to move schools. They are putting down roots, making friends and finally experiencing the stability every child deserves. Essie has also spoken publicly about her experiences at multiple events, demonstrating her inspiring tenacity and courage.
Another moment that stays with me is a family who, after nearly a year in a motel, finally moved into a home with a backyard and a bath. One of their children, who had struggled with behavioural issues in the confined motel space, became a completely different child. He is happy, settled, and able to play for hours. The parents’ relationship improved, and the whole family dynamic shifted for the better. These moments of hope are what keep us going.
Her children no longer have to move schools. They are putting down roots, making friends and finally experiencing the stability every child deserves.
How have supporters made a difference this year?
Your generosity helps us provide youth-friendly responses to domestic and family violence (DFV). Thanks to our donors, we established dedicated DFV Advocate positions. You’ve enabled young people to escape dangerous situations and find safe homes. You’ve also helped ensure their children have the essentials like food, nappies, and formula.
Because of your support, we can offer innovative services like play therapy and we can adapt our approach to meet each person’s unique needs. Each contribution helps us reach more young people and their children. It enables us to go beyond crisis support to foster true healing and break generational cycles. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our work and your partnership in creating new futures.
If you’d like to learn more about Safe Relationships and our specialised programs for young women and young parents, visit How We Help or follow our updates on social media.
We’re nearly 50!
Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service has walked alongside young people facing disadvantage and homelessness. Almost five decades on, our mission remains: helping Brisbane’s young people shape new futures. As we approach our golden jubilee in 2027, we invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements and resilience of young people, listening to their voices, and driving lasting change, together.
We’re nearly 50!
Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service has walked alongside young people facing disadvantage and homelessness. Almost five decades on, our mission remains: helping Brisbane’s young people shape new futures. As we approach our golden jubilee in 2027, we invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements and resilience of young people, listening to their voices, and driving lasting change, together.