Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) is a national day that was conceived in 1990 to raise awareness and public discussion about child and youth homelessness. It is held every year on the third Wednesday of April. This year, YHMD was Wednesday 17th April.
Over the years, YHMD has grown to a national celebration of young people’s resilience and an important day of advocacy for sustainable and innovative solutions to support the needs of children and young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
For Youth Homelessness Matters Day, YFCC (Youth, Family & Community Connections) in collaboration with Anglicare coordinated an impactful event, amplifying efforts to address the pressing issue of youth homelessness. This event served as a beacon of solidarity and compassion, bringing together a diverse array of organisations and services dedicated to supporting young people in crisis.
Alongside YFCC and Anglicare, several other crucial organisations participated, each contributing their expertise and resources to address the variety of barriers to youth homelessness.
These organisations included:
WellWays
No. 34 Aboriginal Service
Child Safety Services
Ulverstone Council
The event featured a variety of outdoor games aimed at promoting connections and collaboration within the community. From classic activities like jumbo connect four to quoits, participants of all ages joined in, breaking down barriers and fostering unity. These games not only provided entertainment but also served as powerful tools for building relationships and strengthening community bonds.
The Central Coast Mayor’s participation served as a symbol of support and endorsement from the highest levels of local governance, lending credibility and weight to the event’s objectives. Their presence also provided an opportunity for direct engagement with community members, allowing them to hear firsthand about the challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness and the efforts being made to address these issues.
The event had a sausage sizzle, giving everyone a chance to grab a tasty bite and hang out together. It was a great way for people to chat, relax, and bond over some good food, adding to the fun and friendly vibe of the day.
With 72 people in attendance, the day exuded positivity. The atmosphere was filled with friendly and supportive energy as attendees mingled, exchanged stories, and connected with one another. Whether participating in the outdoor games, enjoying the sausage sizzle, or simply soaking in the sunshine, everyone seemed lifted by the sense of community and togetherness.
The diverse mix of attendees, from community members to representatives of various organisations, contributed to the vibrant variation of interactions and experiences. People of all ages and backgrounds came together, united by a common purpose: to support young people and address youth homelessness in the community.
As the day unfolded, it became evident that the positivity was a reflection of the collective spirit and determination to make a difference. Each interaction, each smile, and each shared moment served as a testament to the power of community and the potential for positive change when people come together with a shared vision and enthusiasm.
