“Young people are not the problem. They’re the solution.”
That’s the message Pam Barker, CEO of Brisbane Youth Service (BYS), drives home in her conversation with host Mel Alsemgeest on the Hair Therapist podcast.
This episode isn’t just about youth homelessness. It’s about resilience and the power of connection. It’s about listening to the stories behind the statistics and understanding the systems that fail our young people.
The reality of youth homelessness
Pam shares that over 43,000 young people sought help from homelessness services in Australia in the past year. In Queensland alone, 37% of the homeless population are under 25. Many are couch surfing, sleeping rough, or living in unsafe environments.
The housing crisis
“There are more young people needing housing than there are resources available,” Pam says. The system is stretched. Sleeping bags and tents are the only solution for some. And while motels may offer temporary shelter, they’re not a long-term solution.
Pam advocates for a continuity of options for young people, including early intervention programs, transitional housing, supported accommodation, youth foyers, affordable and community housing, and long-term supports to sustain tenancies.
She explains that when a young person has housing, they can take the first step towards regulating their nervous system after being in a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze.
“Once they have that opportunity, they can then start to piece together their lives and have hope for the future,” Pam says.
Violence and disconnection
Domestic and family violence is a major driver of youth homelessness. Pam highlights how young people and children who have witnessed violence are often overlooked as victim-survivors. “We’ve always looked at the adult,” she says, “but we didn’t actually look at the child or the young person.”
“When their children work with our play therapists … the mums just look at their children going, ‘I have hope’ … we break cycles of developmental trauma.”
Pam’s story
Pam shares her own journey from homelessness to nonprofit leadership, which includes time as a hairdresser. Her story is one of resilience, strength, and the impact of timely intervention.
“Being a child in the child protection system, I was not supported,” Pam says.
“I was lucky. I had some key people. A really great social worker … a really great chaplain at school”.
Now, she’s showing up for others.
“I was told I was too stupid to go to university,” she says. “But I always knew I wanted to be a social worker like the one who helped me.”
This is what we’re here for. To change lives and build new futures for young people … I get up in the morning and, you know, I explain to my daughter: the reason why I come to work is because young people don’t have housing and my role is to make sure that there is a future for young people.
Why you should listen
This episode is raw, real, and deeply human. It’s about understanding the challenges young Australians face and the ways we can help.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, hairdresser, or community member, this conversation will inspire you to think differently, act compassionately, and advocate for young people.
How you can help
- Support Brisbane Youth Service through donations.
- Share this podcast with your network.
- Talk to your clients, friends, and family about the reality of youth homelessness.
Listen to the full episode to hear Pam’s story:
