Ollie | Brisbane Youth Service

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 first heard about BYS in 2018 through some searching online. I was unfortunately unable to get any housing support from them at that time, due to being 13 years of age. Determined to move out of the unstable environment at home, I reached out to BYS again in April of 2022, looking for housing and wraparound support.

I was connected to a youth worker straight away. Fast forward to June 2022, I ended up having to leave home. Fortunately, my BYS worker was able to refer me to Phoenix House shortly after that, and I felt very fortunate to have somewhere to live again within days of leaving home.

I have spent just over a year in Phoenix House so far, and the workers there have been nothing short of amazing. They were there for every query and concern I had along the way and helped me look for answers and solutions for every single one of them, no matter how small they might seem.

Not only have I received great support in my day-today living skills, such as cooking, budgeting, managing money, learning how to clean properly, and getting to and from appointments. I have also been lucky enough to be supported by Phoenix House to get my learner’s license and new glasses, obtain necessary medications and to explore processes for receiving potentially life-affirming diagnosis. I was even supported to explore my studying and TAFE options, with the end goal of becoming a paramedic.

“I have spent just over a year in Phoenix House so far, and the workers there have been nothing short of amazing. They were there for every query and concern I had along the way and helped me look for answers and solutions for every single one of them, no matter how small they might seem.”