World Homeless Day 2024: The Link Between Mental Health and Youth Homelessness
This October 10, 2024, we’re shining a light on both World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day—a chance for us to talk about the important connection between these two issues.
Our latest data reveals that half the number of young people involved in Youth Services programs during the 2023-24 financial year sought help for mental health issues. This reflects broader national trends, with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reporting the year prior that 31% (85,300) of Australians using specialist homelessness services also face mental health challenges.
We recognise that mental health is a significant driver of homelessness, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children under 18, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women over 55, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities. Many young people who come to us have faced trauma and abuse, which deeply impacts their mental well-being.
Addressing Mental Health to Combat Youth Homelessness
To tackle these challenges, through our Lighthouse Model of Care, we support the mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being of those we help. Our dedicated team of clinicians work closely with our therapeutic carers to understand and navigate the experiences of the young people in their care, ensuring that we provide comprehensive support.
“lighthouse’s trauma-informed practice creates a therapeutic environment where the mental and physical well-being, and social and emotional capacities, of our young people are enriched. Each year, we provide around 4,200 psychology sessions to address the mental health needs of the young people we support, many of whom meet the criteria for at least one mental health disorder” – CEO, Brenda Boland
With more than 7,600 young people aged 12-24 experiencing homelessness in Victoria alone, we invite you to help us break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and make a positive impact on their lives.
How You Can Help This World Homeless Day 2024
This World Homeless Day, we’re asking our community to contribute $10 to support a young person in need. Your donation can truly make a difference. Please donate here.
