Young People's
Stories

I am a young Aboriginal, Gurang Gurang woman, who didn’t have the best upbringing which led to me living on the streets.

I was going through a tough time with my mental health and I first contacted Headspace and they referred me to BYS to the Recovery and Discovery (RAD) program.

Two years ago I was well set up in my life, working 70 hours a week, in a relationship. I’d never been homeless; I had a pretty good life. Then, over the last few years, I was hit with a bad set of circumstances. I broke up with my partner, lost my job, and stopped talking to my family.

I moved to Brisbane from Northern NSW after the Lismore floods in July 2022 and was living in a boarding house before I found BYS.

During my time at BYS, my confidence has skyrocketed, and my mental health has also greatly improved. I am so grateful to have a space that I feel comfortable enough in to call home.

I was born in Guinea and raised in Australia by my mother’s side of the family. Being raised by strong independent women is definitely a journey itself. Especially the way they were brought up, it was definitely not something I wanted.

Finishing high school was a challenge for young mum Zalie, whose willingness to accept gentle supports led to renewed control and independence.

As a teenager, Amy-Lee struggled with not being able to manage substances and gambling, was in an unhealthy domestic violence relationship, and eventually ended up on the streets. When BYS helped her into hotel accommodation during the COVID-19 lockdowns, she was able to access consistent ongoing supports that changed her life.