Community Connections participants help design a program of group or individual activities every six months. For many, their time with YFS has become an important way to connect with
friends and link with community activities.
of people participating
in our activities.
16%
19
CONNECTIONS WITH OTHERS
YFS believes: people have fuller lives when they can participate in community life. Recreational, social and volunteering activities help people build relationships and be included.
additional people
joined our programs for people with a disability in 2015-16
an increase of
YFS helps people connect – or re-connect – with family, friends and community. Our programs for people with a disability are a good example. In 2015-16 we reshaped some of our community access activities to better align with the needs and interests of the people who use our services, and to help us prepare for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
During 2015-16, YFS supported people using our disability programs to begin planning for the NDIS, employing a worker to help with pre-planning, although we were disappointed to learn that the NDIS won’t come to Logan until July 2018.
In 2015-16, our YouthLink team worked in an expanded catchment area taking in Redland City including the Bay Islands. The team has noted a change in referral patterns, with more young people referred from services like hospitals and mental health agencies rather than schools and families. As a result YouthLink case managers are working with young people who need intensive support to gain the skills for independence and to avoid disadvantage becoming entrenched.
YFS participants were treated to Christmas dinner by a group of south east Queensland hospitality industry leaders. The Hospitality with Heart Christmas function was a highlight for more than 100 people who boarded buses from Logan to attend the beautifully-designed, lovingly-catered event in Brisbane.
Looking forward: In 2016-17, YFS will rebrand our programs for people with a disability to reflect their role in helping participants increase their independence and their participation in community life.
Children need: building links with community helps families function better and gives children additional supports and role model.
YFS does: YFS’ programs for people with a disability and people recovering from mental health issues focus on building links to the wider community and creating peer support networks.
YFS wants: YFS advocates for a wide range of affordable, accessible participation options for everyone.
YFS is funded by the Australian Government and the Queensland Government.
YFS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are Australia's First
Peoples and the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we meet and work.
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CASSIDY'S STORY
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Cassidy, 18, has been going to school for 10 weeks now. She’s also been going to the beach, theme parks and having fun with her friends.
A while ago, she didn’t feel like doing any of these things. She didn’t want to. She didn’t care.
Cassidy was referred to YFS by Education Queensland. She had high anxiety levels that caused her to disconnect from school and peers.
“My family and I were homeless for about three months. I was staying at a little bed and breakfast place and it was hard to get to school. I started to get really anxious. I wasn’t able to go and do things, not even leave the house,” she says.
“When I tried to leave the house I would feel sick, sweaty; like I constantly had this rock on my shoulders. All my friends were graduating and doing many things and I felt like I was stuck in this hole.”
She joined YFS’ YouthLink program and with her worker’s help, Cassidy has managed to regain her confidence and learn how to deal with her anxiety.
“I met with my worker and I can say I was a bit lucky. We’ve taken it slowly, we’ve taken small steps. We sort of started venturing; we will go out and talk, have a little chat. I was feeling anxious the whole time, so we just worked at trying to get out of the house and feeling comfortable being at different places.”
YFS helped Cassidy and her family find a new place to live. She’s now living with her father and her brother. She doesn’t feel lonely
or isolated anymore.
“I’m back at school now and it’s seriously the best feeling ever: being able to go and do something with my life again, especially after doing nothing for over a year.”
She feels happy. She’s positive and a lot more optimistic.
She credits her case manager’s work for that.
“I would definitely be in my room still, sad, if I wasn’t here at YFS.
I felt I couldn’t be helped but my worker pushed me up those little steps to make me realise I can do whatever I want.”
“I needed to get my life back on track and I just feel amazing now. I’m doing stuff, I’m getting up every morning and I’m fine.”
With improved self-confidence and more motivation, Cassidy is ready to finish Years 11 and 12 next year. “I’m getting good grades and I’m so proud of myself.”
She can also see herself doing exactly what her YFS worker does.
“I want to help other people. I’ve always wanted to open a little shelter for young kids to come if they’re homeless or need someone to talk to.”
“I can definitely see a future and it makes me really happy.”
2015-2016 IMPACT REPORT
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