For young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, maintaining stability and independence can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Sustaining Young Tenancies and Transitions services, like our Positive Transitions Program (PTP), are so crucial in addressing the needs of those facing housing challenges.
The Positive Transitions Program is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council. This ‘next-step’ service helps young people from our housing programs to build pathways out of homelessness by providing support in education, training, employment, and community involvement.
Bridging the gap between housing and stability
Last year, PTP expanded its reach, offering its PTP Employment Capacity Building Workshop to young people supported at The Nest, a youth-specific crisis accommodation option that keeps young people safe from the risks associated with sleeping rough or staying in emergency accommodation with adults.
Led by PTP Coordinator, Amy Murphy, the 12-week workshop supports young people to develop the skills and confidence needed to enter and thrive in the workforce.
The program covers key areas, including:
✅ Goal setting and career planning
✅ Resume writing and job applications
✅ Mock interviews and professional communication
✅ Workplace skills and sustaining employment
Recently, the first group of young people graduated from the program, with two participants securing jobs aligned with their career goals upon completing the workshop. To celebrate their achievements, graduates attended a special event where they received certificates and hampers in recognition of their progress.
“For most of our graduates, this was the first time they had ever celebrated a graduation. The day made them feel so special and proud of how far they had come,” Amy shared.
Challenging misconceptions and restoring confidence
Young people experiencing homelessness are often misunderstood, with many assuming they aren’t trying to improve their situation. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“The reality is, they want to better their situation – it’s just all they know. They need the right support to show them what’s possible,” Amy said.
I know what it’s like being told from a young age you can’t do something. When you grow up and people just assume who you’re going to be. The young people I work with have the skills and are amazing humans, they have just lost their shine and confidence.
“They’ve been put down by so many circumstances in their lives – by family, by schools, by systems. But we are here to lift them up and guide them through their journey, ensuring they know they are the experts in their own lives.”
Building skills and expanding possibilities
A key focus of the workshop is helping young people understand themselves, their employment goals and their skills.
“At the start of the workshop, each participant receives a journal to reflect on questions like, ‘Who are you? What do you want to achieve? How can you get there?’ It’s not only about us believing in what they are capable of but helping them see it for themselves.”
Many young people don’t realise the skills they already possess.
“When I ask what skills they have, I often hear, ‘I’ve got none.’ But street smarts, problem-solving, resilience – these are all valuable in the workforce,” Amy said.
Through goal-setting and practical exercises, participants start recognising new possibilities for their future.
“One young person wanted to be a tattoo artist, so we explored the steps together. Now they’re enrolled in a nationally recognised skin infection prevention course. It’s important to show young people what’s possible while keeping it achievable.”
By making education and learning more accessible, PTP helps young people see skill development as an opportunity rather than a barrier.
Education and continual learning should feel normal, but for the young people we support, it often hasn’t been. Just because they don’t know something doesn’t mean they’re not intelligent – they just haven’t had access to the right tools and opportunities to reach their full potential.”
Breaking the cycle with early intervention
Youth homelessness is a significant issue in Brisbane, and without targeted support, many young people will cycle in and out of crisis, focused on day-to-day survival rather than long-term stability.
“My role is to show them that other possibilities exist and to help them find a path they might never have considered before and that suits them,” Amy said.
Change is scary. Sometimes it can be a barrier to moving out of crisis because even though it’s not the best option, there is comfort in what you know. I support young people to expand their knowledge so they have the confidence to try new things.
Practical steps, like mock interviews, play a crucial role in building self-assurance.
“We received great feedback on the mock interviews. One young person told me, ‘If I hadn’t done the mock interviews, I don’t think I would’ve gotten the job.’ It’s those small, practical steps that make a difference.”
At its core, PTP is about empowering young people to take control of their futures and accountability for their goals.
“Many of the young people I work with have never had someone to guide them, rather than just tell them what to do because they are in crisis. Giving them choice allows them to grow and take ownership over their lives, especially when they’ve experienced so many barriers outside their control, like domestic violence or discrimination.”
A future beyond crisis
The success of PTP and the Employment Capacity Building Workshop shows how comprehensive support can contribute to breaking the cycle of youth homelessness.
This program exists because of Brisbane City Council’s investment in young people. Without it, many would be left without a pathway forward. It’s not only about accommodation – it’s about building confidence and stability to create a fulfilling life.
For the young people who participated in this first round of the employment workshop, the journey is just beginning. But for the first time, they can see a future beyond homelessness – one where they are not defined by their past, but by their potential.
If you’d like to learn more about the Positive Transitions Program or how you can support young people on their journey, visit https://brisyouth.org/services/housing/ or follow our updates on social media.
