May 2025 Service Update >

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Chris

Do you need help?

Chris had his first solo exhibition, Out of Paper, at Artrageous during February 2016.

His works were created within the previous months as he discovered himself and what he liked to draw in the Day-to-Day Living art workshops at Brisbane Youth Service.

I heard about Brisbane Youth Service through a friend who suggested I see them for support around housing. I had been living in my car and couch surfing for three to four years and I couldn’t get a house or job and it was stressful.

I went into a boarding house after receiving housing support from BYS. I was living in New Farm and had a lot of time to myself. That’s how I started coming into BYS’s Day-to-Day Living art workshops. I was later transferred into a BYS one bedroom unit.

My art kept changing and evolving. There was a sense of belonging in the art workshops. And escape. It was a big escape from life and everything. It was homely.

I knew I changed but I didn’t know I was changing.

I didn’t feel like I had achieved anything in my life. Having an art show made me feel like I had. It made me move faster. The achievement made me feel
pride, and the pride makes you want to achieve more and work harder. When I saw it (the art) all up on the wall I discovered I had a colour and style. The opening night just made me feel in place, gave me a sense of self-worth.

Visible Ink* has helped me too. They helped me build my community group which links artists with other artists and services, and a place to socialize. We meet weekly and are doing an art show together at the end of the year.

I’ve become patient and I’m responsible for myself now. Believing in myself helped. Right now I believe I can do something, whereas before I had self-doubt and no confidence. The mindfulness workshops facilitated by Footprints* in partnership with the Day- to-Day Living Program were really handy. You’ve got to practice them, not just walk away. I’ve also learnt to be grateful. Gratefulness is a huge one. I’m grateful for all the help I have had and that I have a roof over my head that I can afford. It has allowed me to move forward.

*Visible Ink located in Fortitude Valley is a youth space run by the Brisbane City Council
*Footprints is a not-for-profit provider of community based services in Brisbane

“The achievement made me feel
pride, and the pride makes you want to achieve more and work harder.”
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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
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  • 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
  • News
    • All news
    • Publications
    • Homelessness & Young People – The Facts
    • Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact BYS
    • Need Help?
    • FAQ’s
    • Complaints and Compliments
  • Donate
  • Call Us
📢 May 2025 service update

There continues to be 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.

If you need support, we offer a walk-in service in the afternoons. We know it’s hard to get through on our phone lines and we are working on solutions to improve this.

🚶‍➡️May walk-in hours

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

The Youth Support Centre is closed for the Labour Day holiday on 5 May and for staff training on Wednesday 14 May.

Appointments only during other opening hours

Our Intake and Brief Intervention team work very hard to support young people with immediate and emergency housing however options are extremely limited due to available emergency accommodation.

Unfortunately, presenting or being directed to our service does not guarantee a place to stay. We understand this is frustrating, and we will do our best to support you. When you arrive, we’ll talk through your options, which may include housing if available. We may also provide food, transport, referrals, and other help that fits your needs.

📋 Working together to find solutions

We’re working with other organisations to better coordinate support in Brisbane and South-East Queensland. Adding your name to the Brisbane Zero By-Name List helps make your situation visible and keeps you a priority for housing. A youth worker can help you do this when you visit.