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Josh

Do you need help?

Three years ago, Josh was on the streets. Now he is finishing Year 12, getting the qualifications he needs to become an Electrician.

‘I would probably have been locked up if I didn’t go to BYS.

My attitude used to be really harsh, aggressive. I felt like I was the only one, by myself; I was trying to stick to my ground, to look after myself.

The reason I left home, my dad is more of his culture. He’s a real fussy person. He told me to stay home, not go to school, and I’ve always wanted to go to school, to go study. And one day … I … went to school … Later my dad … said, ‘I spoke to all my brothers and they want me to kick you out’ … That was hard for him…so I made a choice. Everyone was … trying to disown me; so I just disowned myself from the family.

I was 15. I was on the streets for almost a year, then … BYS … gave me help.

I stayed at Windsor House for three months before moving to Phoenix House.

At first I was real shy. I didn’t know anyone, of course … I got put in here with random people I didn’t know. I was real nervous … after a couple of months I started opening up, and made friends with people … and with the youth worker as well.

They’ve always given me positivity. Never negative stuff. Nothing to put me down; they always keep me up. They gave me a lot of love and a lot of things to do.

They gave me opportunities to get a white card, a blue card to go for my job, and I took the courses, got them done … they hooked me up with Centrelink … so I could get a payment ’cause I was living out of home … a roof over my head, shelter, food, a bed.

I want to be a sparky … I’ll turn 18 in two months and then I’ll be working with my brother.

I had nothing … BYS picked me up and showed me what I could achieve.’

“I was 15. I was on the streets for almost a year, then ... BYS … gave me help.”
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Brisbane Youth Service respectfully acknowledges the Turrbal and Jagera people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands where BYS operates.

We pay respect to their Elders past and present, lores, customs and creation spirits. BYS acknowledges and celebrates the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play within BYS and the community.

View our Reconciliation Action Plan
© 2025 Brisbane Youth Service Privacy
  • About Us
    • Our People
    • Quality, Research & Innovation
  • How We Help
    • Crisis & Immediate Support
    • Housing
    • Health
    • Young Women
    • Family Support
    • Other Support
    • Young Peoples Stories
    • Our Impact
  • Work With Us
    • Employee Value Proposition
    • Employment Opportunties
    • Board Opportunities
    • Volunteering
    • Student Placements
  • Support Us
    • Donate
    • Partner with Us
    • Fundraise
    • Leave a Gift in Your Will
    • Youth Homelessness Matters Day
    • Daggy Jumper Day
    • Appeal | Essie’s Story
  • News
    • All news
    • Publications
    • Homelessness & Young People – The Facts
    • Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact BYS
    • Need Help?
    • FAQ
    • Feedback and Complaints
  • Donate
  • Call Us
📢 July 2025 service update

There remains a very high demand for emergency accommodation for young people and young families in Brisbane. We are working hard to create more options, but many nights, all beds are at capacity.

Your phone call might not get answered straight away, however, if you leave a message, we will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you need support, we offer a walk-in service in the afternoons.

🚶‍➡️July walk-in hours

📅 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
⏰ 1 – 4 pm

Appointments only during other opening hours

Unfortunately, arriving at our service does not mean a guaranteed place to stay. We understand this is frustrating, and we will do our best to support you. When you arrive, we’ll discuss your options, which may include housing if available. We may also provide food, transport, crisis support, referrals, and other help that fits your needs.