YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS DAY CAMPAIGN KIT 2018
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YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS DAY CAMPAIGN KIT 2018
2 3
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In 2016 I was left alone, with no guidance on what
to do. I was flipping out about my housing. My
mum had just passed away and I had no supports
around me aside from my aunty who lived in
another State. I had no money and had tried many
CONTENTS
ABOUT THE YHMD CAMPAIGN 4
times with Centrelink to get more money
somehow but they didn’t care and didn’t help. No
YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS DAY 2018 4
one wanted to help, it was really hard.
I felt alone and that there was no one around to FACTS AND FIGURES 6
help someone like me, going through what I was
going through. My mum hadn’t left me anything
behind, I had no knowledge of budgeting or paying
bills, all of these things I had to learn.
CAMPAIGN GOALS 9
I had all my mum’s belongings surrounding me in
the house and this was sending me into significant TAKE ACTION 9
depression. I wasn’t able to move forward. My
youth worker have helped me by assisting with
clearing out my house and letting go of my mum’s
belongings. I was helped financially to do this with
SOCIAL MEDIA KIT 10
the help of a big skip bin, but also emotionally.
I feel free now. I got help to purchase new
householditems, including pots and pans. My mum’s HOLD A YHMD EVENT 12
were old and trashed. This motivated me to start
cookingagain, I was just eating easy and unhealthy
meals. I feel more ownership over my house now. I
feelthe items are mine and I’m not living in the past.
MEDIA KIT 14
Moving forward I see myself looking for work and
saving to travel the world to experience new
cultures. Getting some support was life changing.
I honestly was entering into severe depression, I
had just lost my mum and was so alone. I can’t
stress enough how great it was to have some help
to move on with my life.
SARAH, 19
Youth Homelessness Matters Day
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ABOUT THE #YHMD CAMPAIGN 3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT #YHMD
Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) 1. It’s a national campaign to raise awareness
and support young people at risk of
is a national campaign, held annually, aimed
homelessness or who are experiencing
at raising awareness of youth homelessness homelessness
amongst decision makers and the wider
community. 2. It’s a call out to everyone, especially those
who believe in the power of community,
Each year the campaign culminates in an to take action, to publicly state that youth
homelessness matters and should be prevented
awareness day for youth homelessness,
held in the middle of National Youth Week. 3. The time to take action is Youth
Homelessness Matters Day
YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS DAY 2018
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#YHMD2018 will be held on Wednesday, 18 April 2018.
It will take place online and in communities around Australia.
More than 28, 000 young Australians do not have a home. In most instances, they do
not have a home because they are escaping conflict and violence. You think that your mates will help but after
a while they get sick of you sleeping on
They find it almost impossible to find a home because of the housing affordability crisis their couches, so I hid my sleeping bad and
in Australia. backpack under a building and at night I
would go get it and sleep in the bushes, I
would pretend I had a home and I was just
The vast majority of young people experiencing homelessness are hidden from view like everybody else.
in refuges, couch surfing situations and sleeping in cars with their family, but their
experience is very real. When I say I got kicked out of home, that I
was homeless, people would just assume it
was my fault, that I deserved it, that I was
Youth homelessness is a national disgrace. To end youth homelessness we need a trouble. They don’t want to know that it
national plan. wasn’t my fault.
TAKE ACTION ONLINE Homelessness is feeling lost, not having
anywhere stable that you can feel at home in.
A home is something basic that people take
facebook.com/yhmday for granted and to not have that makes you
feel distressed and disorientated.
#YHMD2018
#YHMD2018
Youthhomelessnessmatters.net
JAMES, 20
Petition for a national paln to end youth homelessness
https://tinyurl.com/yhmdpetition
Youth Homelessness Matters Day
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Reflecting back from where I came from; sleeping
on a single mattress on the floor at a friend’s place
with my son with all my belongings in garbage bags.
To where I am now; I have my own home, I know
I can provide for my son. I know that I can go to
bed peacefully knowing that my son and I are safe.
Housing has given me the opportunity to start a new
42%
chapter in my life.
28,000
Australians of the It’s empowered me to make a big step towards my
future by getting to know myself on another level
aged 12-25 are homeless and what I really want in life for me and my son. I’ve
finished a certificate in aged care. I’ve made friends.
homeless on any population is I’ve avoided toxic relationships and for once in my
life, I’m not afraid to be alone and not afraid to
given night 1 under 25 years explore my past wounds.
old 1 I’ve also met some amazing people that have made
me believe this. My youth worker was my mentor
in these difficult times in my life and she has given
me the confidence and help that I needed. Financial
support was extremely helpful in times that I was
struggling. Assistance with moving in and setting up
my house with furniture and a fridge and microwave
was so helpful.
When I asked for help, the universe brought people
into my life. I’m amazed by the help I’ve received. I’ve
questioned why I went through these things in my life
and now I understand why - because its made me so
strong.
I have more stability in my life now. I’m about to start
70% The a Diploma in Nursing and my plans are to go to Uni to
left home to first and do my Bachelor in Nursing. My goal is to own my own
house before I’m 30 and also to get a car by the end
most common of this year so that I have more freedom.
escape family
way young people
violence, child The right housing and support have helped me
experience tremendously. The moment I got those keys was a
abuse or family homelessness is
relief. I’m so blessed to have my own little place.
breakdown 2 couch surfing
JESSIE, 19
1
ABS 2016 Census data
2
Rosenthal et al. 2006. Why do homeless young people leave home?
Youth Homelessness Matters Day
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CAMPAIGN GOALS TAKE ACTION
#1 BREAK STEREOTYPES #1 LIKE
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We want to breakdown the stigma and stereotypes Give us a thumbs up on facebook and have young
attached to the experience of homelessness. people’s stories, as well as campaign updates and
A common misconception is that young people leave the countdown, delivered right on to your newsfeed.
home because they want to. Many people believe Follow the hashtag on twitter and keep posted on
Brett was a 16 year old high school student
young people runaway from home so that they have events organised throughout Australia.
working a part time job on the weekends.
more freedom or to live without rules and restrictions.
He cared about his family and had always
We know this is not the case. #2 SHARE
tried to stand by his mother even though she Break stereotypes that are associated with youth
70 % of young people experiencing homelessness are
had often put his needs behind those of her escaping a negative home environment, which often homelessness by sharing stories, statistics and
partners. He wanted to protect his younger includes an abusive, violent or broken home. 1 information on social media and through your
sister and his mother from the violent and networks.
aggressive men who seemed to always find #2 ENGAGE
We want to engage decision makers to help make a #3 ACT
their way into their lives.
change for young homeless people. Hold an event and help us raise awareness about youth
The YHMD campaign also aims to engage government homelessness in your community. Write to your local
When Brett discovered that her latest partner MP about the importance of this issue. Contact your
and corporate sectors to resource specialist youth
was selling drugs from the family home. local newspaper and let them know what is happening
homelessness services, also known as youth refuges or
Brett decided enough was enough and in your area. Pledge your support by signing up to our
shelters. These services provide young people with the
confronted his mother and her partner about Change.org pettition when it goes live!
help they need to get back on their feet.
what was happening. A violent altercation
followed and Brett found himself kicked out #3 ADVOCATE
of home and couch surfing between friends Join us in advocating for a national plan to address
houses. Brett was homeless. youth homelessness.
Youth homelessness needs a strategic approach at a
A teacher at his school helped Brett make
national level to ensure we can support young people
at every stage, from early intervention to crisis support.
contact with a youth housing service who
Visit youthhomelessnessmatters.info to find out how
were able to give him a safe and stable
you can contribute to our campaign for a national plan
transitional housing unit with support to
for action on youth homelessness.
become fully independent.
A place where he was safe and stable enough
to finish his high school education.
SAM, 18
1
Rosenthal et al. 2006. Why do homeless young people leave home?
Youth Homelessness Matters Day10 11
SOCIAL MEDIA KIT
We need your support for the national online campaign. There is nothing more powerful than a community that
joins together to take action. That’s why we’re asking you to join with us, and voice the belief that youth
homelessness matters. You can do this by connecting with the national YHMD facebook page and by following
the #YHMD2018 hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and to like, share and act!
KEY MESSAGES #1 LIKE #3 ACT
FACTS ON FACEBOOK JOIN OUR PETITION
This Youth Homelessness Matters Day we are calling on
// 42% of the homelessness population is under 25 // Like the official Youth Homelessness Matters political leaders to commit to a national plan to tackle
Day facebook page: facebook.com/yhmday and the homelessness amongst young Australians.
years old 1
have young people’s stories and campaign updates
A national plan to end youth homelessness would
// 28,000 young Australian between 12-25 years old delivered right to your newsfeed. address the systemic issues that drive and exacerbate
are experiencing homelessness every night 1 youth homelessness, including:
ON TWITTER • Family violence
// 70% left home to escape family violence, child abuse • Access to affordable housing
or family breakdown 2 // Follow the #YHMD2018 conversation, favourite and • Youth justice
re-tweet. • Young people on custody orders
• A housing guarantee for young people
// The first and most common way young people
leaving care
experience homelessness is couch surfing ON INSTAGRAM • Young people leaving care
• Child protection
ASK // Follow the #YHMD2018 on Instagram and like • Education
pictures shared by our supporters • Youth unemployment
// For homelessness to be seen as an experience
and not an identity, there needs to be increased early We need you to add your voice to the chorus demand-
identification and intervention processes #2 SHARE ing a national plan to end youth homelessness. Of
course the more signatures we have the more powerful
our message, so make sure to spread the message as
// There needs to be more focus on recognising the ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM far as possible!
signs of homelessness so there can be less shame and
more productive help available // Share stories, statistics, the campaign countdown,
information and ofcourse our change.org petition with CHANGE.ORG PETITION FOR A NATIONAL
// Young people experiencing homelessness need your facebook friends and help us break stereotypes PLAN TO END YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
access to supportive and well-resourced services which that are associated with youth homelessness. Don’t https://tinyurl.com/yhmdpetition
provide them with the help they need to get back on forget to use the #YHMD2018.
their feet.
1
ABS 2011 Census data
2
Rosenthal et al. 2006. Why do homeless young people leave home?
Youth Homelessness Matters Day Youth Homelessness Matters Day12 13
HOLD A YHMD EVENT
Hosting an event can be an exciting and easy way to connect your networks and community with the information
they need to ensure no young person is left without a place to go. Since the start of YHMD, community events
have been the core way parents, neighbours and community members learn how to identify, address and refer a
young person in need.
PICK A SIZE CHOOSE THE TYPE FIND HELPERS
SMALL - Small events are most appropriate for time- After choosing size, the next step to decide what kind If you’re hosting anything larger than a backyard BBQ • how close to the event site can organisers’ vehicles
poor and new event hosts. Small events can be a great of event you would like to put on. When deciding the or potluck dinner, it’s best to enlist helpers as soon get, you may have to consider using a trolley or
way to share the stories of young people with your type of the event, keep in mind your target guests as possible. Helpers are typically people who you volunteers to help carry equipment closer to the
friends and family while also having a great laugh, (what would they like to do, where are they most likely enjoy spending time with and who agree to help out site?
dinner or BBQ. Small events typically require only three to do it and how can it be most satisfying for them according to their strengths.
weeks planning and no outsourcing or cost. to contribute to raising awareness and ending youth • who is responsible for money on the day (if you if
you think you may raise a large amount, consider
homelessness). Identify how many helpers you’ll need to have a no-
arranging for someone to collect the money
MEDIUM - If you’re a social butterfly and thrive at stress event & identify why you’re seeking their help throughout the day)?
hosting satisfying and enjoyable experiences for Also think about your resources, while you might want when you ask if their interested.
your networks and their friends, a medium size event to host a eating competition in the Sydney Star Casino • will you need a lot of change; if so, contact your
could be just for you. Small businesses can also be for free, is it realistic? Identify what resources you have bank (at least a week in advance) and ask them to
a great fit for medium events, in that they require and what potential strengths or resources you could put some aside for you?
little commitment and give employees the chance to
socialise while giving back. Medium events require
leverage from your network.
PLAN THE DAY IN DETAIL • will you have enough activities - long queues will
some prior planning, usually 1-2 months. Depending IDENTIFY TIME AND LOCATION Shortly before the event, you need to run through the
spoil people’s day?
on the type of event, it will require some outside
day in detail with the organising team. • what will happen if the weather is bad?
negotiations and partnerships.
Location, location, location. The key to any successful
event is hosting it at a time that fits guests’ schedules You can ask yourself questions like: • do you have enough time, materials and people for
LARGE - Go big or go home right? For those with
and location. Although #YHMD2018 is on Wednesday setting up and clearing away?
either a large event budget or great networks for • where will everybody be on the day - does
the 18th of April, this might not be the best day to host
sponsorship, a large event provides the opportunity everyone know their roles and responsibilities,
an event if you’re inviting mainly people with M-F 9-5
to chance the face of youth homelessness in Australia. including if something goes wrong?
jobs. Instead, why not host your event the weekend
By hosting a public awareness event, fun run or
before, perhaps in the park if that’s somewhere your • is the quota full, or do you need to do a last-
fundraising gala, your efforts could not only improve
networks frequent in April. minute ring round to fill some gaps?
the ability of our community to recognise young
people in crisis, but it could also have a flow on affect
When deciding when and where, take into account • how will equipment and volunteers get to the
that impacts young people for years to come. Planning
your guests’ habits and lifestyle, and the type of event venue - and away again?
a large event will take at least four months planning
your hosting (a family fun run probably shouldn’t be
and require several planners who can devote significant • will you be able to take hired equipment directly to
time to the event. held at 8pm on a Saturday night).
and from the event, or will it need to be stored?
Youth Homelessness Matters Day14 15
MEDIA KIT
Some tips on how to effectively communicate with the media and make the most
out of your Youth Homelessness Matter Day
WHY CONTACT YOUR LOCAL 3 - Put together a press kit. Your press kit 2 - Stay focused on your message; don’t get #3 Write in an inverted pyramid style — making your
sidetracked by other topics or questions. most important and compelling point(s) first, then adding
MEDIA? should contain a detailed explanation and
background material on the issue. You the background and supporting arguments later.
should also include any related articles you 3 - Make the connections between your issue and
Contacting the local media can: local or national events (the national #YHMD2018
think are helpful, and some background on // 42% of the homelessness population is under 25 years
your organisation. campaign). Reporters are looking for a local angle. old
1 - Be an effective way to promote your event,
#YHMD2018 and the larger issue of youth 4 - Write a media release. Your media 4 - Be timely. Your interaction with the media — // 28,000 young Australian between 12-25 years old are
homelessness. release should be no longer than one page. whether it be a letter-to-the-editor, an interview, experiencing homelessness every night # 70% left home to
In general a media release should give the or an offer of assistance — must follow quickly escape family violence, child abuse or family breakdown
2 Encourage members of the community to who, what, where, when, and why in the on a breaking news story. During an interview or
attend the event. conversation, for example, if you are asked a question
first paragraph. The next paragraphs should // The first and most common way young people
detail the what and the why, give more that you don’t know, explain that it is not your area of experience homelessness is couch surfing
3 Help spread the message that more than 28,000 details on the issue. Strong adjectives are expertise or offer to get back with the information.
young Australians aged 12-25 are experiencing good, and a dramatic and emotional quote
homelessness and what you are doing to assist 5 - Tell a compelling story that creates a visual image.
these young people.
is always helpful. Put your media contact
WHEN TO CONTACT LOCAL MEDIA?
person and their phone number at the end. If possible, help a newspaper reporter find graphics or
pictures to accompany the story. For a radio interview,
#1 Before your event (1-2 weeks prior), send the editor a
HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH WHO TO CONTACT? use words that evoke images for the listener.
short media release with a catchy title outlining the event
YOUR LOCAL MEDIA? 6 - Speak simply but not simplistically. Don’t “dumb
details (when is it happening, where is it located, who
• Newspapers in your area can be found at is taking part, what interesting activities are happening
http://www.newspapers.com.au/ down” what you want to say, but try to use everyday
1 - Write a “letter-to-the-editor.” The letters- words rather than technical jargon.
during the event and what is the purpose of the event).
to-the-editor page is the most read section in
a newspaper, and it is reasonably easy to get a • Local radio stations and TV programs #2 Follow up with a phone call. After you’ve sent through
7 - Don’t assume too much background knowledge
concise, timely, and relevant letter published in details to the editor about your event, make sure you
• Local publications and magazines on the part of your audience, but steer clear of the
most papers. Simply monitor your local paper for follow them up with a phone call to check that they
classroom lecture style.
related news stories, editorials, columns, or even received your article. Ask them if they need any further
letters by other readers — then follow-up with WHAT TO COMMUNICATE? FINAL TIPS
information or if they’d be interested in sending a
your letter. photographer.
#1 Keep anything that you write concise; and if it’s for
1 - Identify your few “main messages” television, keep it even tighter and shorter;
2 - Submit an opinion piece for publication. After and concentrate on them throughout the #3 After the event (within 3 days), send a high-resolution
letters-to-the-editor, opinion pieces are the most conversation/ interview/written piece. You photograph of your group with a follow up article including
#2 Unless you are writing a letter-to-the-editor or an the same when,when,who,what,why details as mentioned
commonly read part of the paper and are often can, for example, start with a case study or a opinion piece, avoid opinion and flowery language; above.
clipped by Politicians. personal story. and
Youth Homelessness Matters DayDISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
The Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) logo is presented by National Youth Coalition for Housing Inc for the
purpose of marketing and promotion of YHMD free of charge for the benefit of the public.
The YHMD logo can only be used for events that have been officially registered with the National Youth Coalition for
Housing (NYCH) Inc.
The National Council and its delegates accepts no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, any events
conducted as part of YHMD. Services and individuals that conduct events as part of YHMD do so at their own risk.
YHMD events and activities are not substitutes for independent professional advice and users should obtain any
appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances.
Information at events and stalls may include the views or recommendations of third parties, which do not neces- sarily
reflect the views of NYCH, or indicate its commitment to a particular course of action.
NYCH is the national peak body representing young
homeless people in Australia. NYCH’s goals are to end
youth homelessness and to create youth housing solutions.
youthhomelessnessmatters.info/about-nychYou can also read
