HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
One of our values is optimism. 2015-16 was a very hopeful year. We saw our #R4Respect youth-led violence prevention initiative flourish, and saw many people we work with set themselves up for better futures.
In 2015-16 YFS Connect responded to 10,213 calls, emails, Facebook messages and visits about a wide range of issues. Our team gave each of those people information, linkages to supports, and a sense that change was possible.
Our #R4Respect domestic violence prevention program reached out to young people through social media and events. #R4Respect generated more than 300 social media posts, attracted almost 1,200 Facebook likes, and reached around 3,000 young people face to face through more than 15 events in schools and communities from its inception in September 2015 until the end of June 2016.
The coming National Disability Insurance Service (NDIS) brings new opportunities for people with disability or mental illness in our community. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) estimates that 5,600 people in our region who don’t currently receive funded disability supports will be eligible for services through the NDIS, taking the total NDIS participant base in our region to 9,900 people. Our NDIS Get Ready team continued to spread the word in 2015-16, talking with 1,285 people about how best to make the most of the opportunities the NDIS will bring.
Looking forward: #R4Respect will continue to build in 2016-17,
with funding from the Federal Government complementing an
Advance Queensland grant for evaluation from the
Queensland Government and almost $40,000
in support from generous sponsors.
Our #R4Respect ambassadors come from varied backgrounds, but they share a passion to spread the word about respectful relationships to other young people.
9,900
total expected NDIS
participant base in our region
YFS believes: having high expectations gives people the chance to fulfill their potential. People who live in generational disadvantage can believe that change is impossible – we know that people can improve their circumstances with the right support and opportunities.
Children need: goals, dreams and positive feedback, as well as appropriate boundaries,
to learn and grow.
YFS does: in our work with clients, we encourage high expectations, realistic goals and stepped approaches to reaching them. We support people to succeed when they need our help, and we celebrate wins along the way.
YFS wants: YFS advocates for a system that aims high for everyone; that encourages everyone to
achieve their potential.
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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MITCHELL'S STORY
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Anxiety became a constant in Mitchell’s life after being assaulted by five people on his way home from school.
Back then, Mitchell was 14 years old. He turned 19 in September.
Mitchell’s problem quickly escalated and he started avoiding school and social situations.
“I wasn’t in a good place 12 months ago. I wouldn’t leave the house at all. I wouldn’t go past the letterbox. I didn’t want to go to school and they actually kicked me out because of my low attendance”, Mitchell said.
“I couldn’t sit still. I had many panic attacks. I would hear a noise in my house and that would freak me out.”
His mother sought help and in March 2015, a re-engagement officer from Education Queensland suggested Mitchell come to YFS. Mitchell worked with Kara, focusing on social exposure, counselling and learning about ways to
handle bullying.
“My worker has helped me get out of the house, do different things and feel comfortable about them. She has also helped me get on an independent youth allowance and attend weekly driving lessons to get my licence” he said.
Mitchell currently goes to Headspace and attends maths tutoring on Mondays at Mylestones Employment to prepare for an Electrical Apprenticeship with All Trades Queensland.
He says he is very excited now that he has found a new job at Illuminated Industries in Kingston.
“I feel very good. I have actually started doing something. When I left school I needed something to do, so I did a Certificate in Auto Electrics. I have always liked electrics.”
He says YFS has played a huge part in his journey. Kara, his worker, believes he has completed great personal achievements.
“Mitchell has made significant progress in his long and challenging journey with anxiety. He is certainly living his life and kicking personal goals every week. He now socialises with friends, initiates and participates in new interactions. He feels confident to be independent,” Kara said.
Mitchell also makes a conscious effort to take care of himself. “I’ve started going to the gym four days a week. My anxiety levels have reduced. I feel more relaxed now. I don’t really get intimidated by people anymore.”
His life has taken a turn for the better. “I’m happy, I’m optimistic. I’d like to be fully qualified as an electrician.”
2015-2016 IMPACT REPORT
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