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Aicha

Do you need help?

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.

I was very blessed to have noticed at a young age that I was living in a dysfunctional home. The verbal, emotional, and mental abuse I was dealing with was too much for me.

At only 16 years old, I left home for my own wellbeing. That was one of the best and worst decisions I’ve made. I lost a lot of people and bonds who I never thought would leave my side. My family disowned me and I was scared and alone.

I remember my experience of homelessness as if it was yesterday. I went from house to house, struggling with finding accommodation. I was very lucky that a close friend helped me reach out to the Youth Advocacy Centre to help me find accommodation while I was trying to balance school and life on my own.

Unfortunately, due to moving around so much I started falling behind at school, to the point where I got unenrolled. Faced with these life challenges I was determined to get stable accommodation, stable income, and graduate.

I moved several times couch surfing at friends to strangers continuously. It was extremely exhausting, unsafe, overwhelming, and frustrating not having stability. My mental health, confidence, and hope started going downhill. I lost many friends and the one that hurt the most… I lost my self-love on this journey.

Hopeless, uninterested in anything, broken… was how I felt before entering Phoenix House. Little did I know, that experience I had with them would be the start of a new change in me.

I learnt so many life skills from them, I was so grateful to have been accepted into the house because it was also during the start of COVID. While I was there:

  • I learnt how to cook like a pro
  • I became more productive
  • I felt like it was okay to come out of my shell I’d been stuck in for so long
  • I achieved every goal I had set my mind to, including being a 2022 class graduate
  • I started to glow differently

Blessings after blessings just kept coming my way after I reached this new version of me. I got upgraded into another very fancy house by BYS. I have to admit I was nervous moving alone, but the greatest part was I still had the support I needed. BYS even gave me a bicycle so I could get to work!

Eli from the Positive Transitions Project helped me realise my dream of being an entrepreneur, growing my own business selling beauty products and accessories online. I’ve met so many great people in this process, including Holly the owner of Live in Your Light, and Steve Baxter, from Shark Tank. They have definitely helped me understand my business.

This year, I started studying at a school for entrepreneurs, being coached on how to run my business. It helps me to stay organised and focus on achieving my goals.

I couldn’t have done it without BYS, they’ve changed my life so much. One day, when I become well known, I’m definitely going to recommend your services a thousand times for the kids who were once in my shoes.

For anyone who is losing hope on their journey of being homeless, don’t give up and ask for help! And never dim your light for anyone, because your light could be what someone else needs to see.

“For anyone who is losing hope on their journey of being homeless, don’t give up and ask for help! And never dim your light for anyone, because your light could be what someone else needs to see.”
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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
© 2025 Brisbane Youth Service Privacy
  • 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
    • Appeal | Essie’s Story
  • News
    • All news
    • Publications
    • Homelessness & Young People – The Facts
    • Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact BYS
    • Need Help?
    • FAQ
    • Feedback and Complaints
  • Donate
  • Call Us
📢 July 2025 service update

There remains a 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.

Your phone call might not get answered straight away, however, if you leave a message, we will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you need support, we offer a walk-in service in the afternoons.

🚶‍➡️July walk-in hours

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

Appointments only during other opening hours

Unfortunately, arriving at our service does not mean a guaranteed place to stay. We understand this is frustrating, and we will do our best to support you. When you arrive, we’ll discuss your options, which may include housing if available. We may also provide food, transport, crisis support, referrals, and other help that fits your needs.