Young people often experience multiple, complex barriers to safe housing, good health and well-being. Through provision of appropriate supports, Brisbane Youth Service helps young people to transition out of crisis – creating pathways to #NewFutures.
Housing
In 2022-23, almost half of the young people who came to BYS were homeless (47%). This is an increase from 44% in 2021-22 highlighting the impact of the housing and cost-of-living crises for young people in Brisbane.
- 77% were living in unsafe, temporary, over-crowded or unaffordable housing.
- 48% of young people came to BYS asking for help with housing.
- 61% said their housing was a crisis/serious situation.
After support from BYS
Overall rates of homelessness decreased by 54% after BYS support. Couch surfing and sleeping rough reduced after engaging in BYS programs, but the ongoing housing crisis saw more young people exiting into boarding house and crisis homelessness service accommodation this year. Young people living in stable, suitable housing nearly tripled from 24% to 68% after support.
There was an 95% decrease in young people living in unsafe housing after support.
Violence
Experience of family and relationship violence are common causes of homelessness for young people. However, violence does not necessarily end when young people leave the family home or an intimate relationship. Young people who are homeless are also often impacted by different ongoing forms of violence and abuse from people in their lives and the community.
In 2022-23, of the young people supported by BYS:
- 73% had previously experienced family violence
- 46% had previously experienced intimate partner violence
- 34% had experienced physical assault/abuse
- 10% said they were currently experiencing intimate partner violence (likely to be under-reported)
- 26% told us that violence was a crisis or serious concern in their lives
After support from BYS
While violence concerns are commonly under-recognised and under-reported at the start of support, this year more than half (53%) indicated that their violence situations were a bit or much better after coming to BYS.
The proportion of young people who were in a crisis or serious violence situation dropped by over half to 7%.
Mental Health
Mental health issues can impact young people’s access to safe, stable housing. Poor mental health can be one pathway into homelessness for young people and can be linked to other intersecting needs like early trauma or family and intimate partner violence. It can also be the result of other stressors associated with homelessness including financial instability, physical health issues, and lack of support.
The proportion of young people who came to BYS with diagnosed mental health issues has remained high at 61%.
- In 2022-23, 39% of young people we met identified suicide risks
- 30% identified self harming behaviours
Without support, mental health issues can be a barrier to young people being able to access and maintain safe and stable housing in the future.
After support from BYS
With BYS support, young people report positive changes in their mental health.
In 2022-23, 71% of young people said that their mental health improved after BYS support, and serious or crisis mental health issues decreased significantly.
2022-23
