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YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS DAY CAMPAIGN KIT 2018

CONTENTS

2 3

ABOUT THE YHMD CAMPAIGN 4

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS DAY 2018 4

FACTS AND FIGURES 6 CAMPAIGN GOALS 9

TAKE ACTION 9

SOCIAL MEDIA KIT 10

HOLD A YHMD EVENT 12

MEDIA KIT 14

In 2016 I was left alone, with no guidance on what to do. I was flipping out about my housing. Mymum had just passed away and I had no supports around me aside from my aunty who lived inanother State. I had no money and had tried many times with Centrelink to get more moneysomehow but they didn’t care and didn’t help. No one wanted to help, it was really hard.

I felt alone and that there was no one around to help someone like me, going through what I wasgoing through. My mum hadn’t left me anything behind, I had no knowledge of budgeting or payingbills, all of these things I had to learn.

I had all my mum’s belongings surrounding me in the house and this was sending me into significantdepression. I wasn’t able to move forward. My youth worker have helped me by assisting withclearing out my house and letting go of my mum’s belongings. I was helped financially to do this withthe 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 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.

Moving forward I see myself looking for work and saving to travel the world to experience newcultures. Getting some support was life changing. I honestly was entering into severe depression, Ihad 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


You think that your mates will help but after a while they get sick of you sleeping on their couches, so I hid my sleeping bad and 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 like everybody else.

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 trouble. They don’t want to know that it wasn’t my fault.

Homelessness is feeling lost, not having anywhere stable that you can feel at home in. A home is something basic that people take for granted and to not have that makes you feel distressed and disorientated.

JAMES, 20

"

4 5

ABOUT THE #YHMD CAMPAIGN Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) is a national campaign, held annually, aimed at raising awareness of youth homelessness amongst decision makers and the wider community.

Each year the campaign culminates in an awareness day for youth homelessness,

held in the middle of National Youth Week.

3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT #YHMD 1. It’s a national campaign to raise awareness and support young people at risk of homelessness or who are experiencing homelessness 2. It’s a call out to everyone, especially those who believe in the power of community, to take action, to publicly state that youth homelessness matters and should be prevented

3. The time to take action is Youth Homelessness Matters Day

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS DAY 2018 #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. They find it almost impossible to find a home because of the housing affordability crisis in Australia.

The vast majority of young people experiencing homelessness are hidden from view in refuges, couch surfing situations and sleeping in cars with their family, but their experience is very real.

Youth homelessness is a national disgrace. To end youth homelessness we need a national plan.

facebook.com/yhmday

#YHMD2018

#YHMD2018Youthhomelessnessmatters.netPetition for a national paln to end youth homelessness https://tinyurl.com/yhmdpetition

TAKE ACTION ONLINE

2 Rosenthal et al. 2006. Why do homeless young people leave home?

1 ABS 2016 Census data

6 7


"

70% left home to

escape family violence, child abuse or family

breakdown2

28,000 Australians

aged 12-25 are homeless on any

given night1

42% of the

homeless population is

under 25 years old1

The first and

most common way young people

experience homelessness is couch surfing

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 chapter in my life.

It’s empowered me to make a big step towards my future by getting to know myself on another level and what I really want in life for me and my son. I’ve finished a certificate in aged care. I’ve made friends. I’ve avoided toxic relationships and for once in my life, I’m not afraid to be alone and not afraid to explore my past wounds.

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 a Diploma in Nursing and my plans are to go to Uni to 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 of this year so that I have more freedom.

The right housing and support have helped me tremendously. The moment I got those keys was arelief. I’m so blessed to have my own little place.

JESSIE, 19



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Brett was a 16 year old high school student working a part time job on the weekends. He cared about his family and had always tried to stand by his mother even though she had often put his needs behind those of her partners. He wanted to protect his younger sister and his mother from the violent and aggressive men who seemed to always find their way into their lives.

When Brett discovered that her latest partner was selling drugs from the family home. Brett decided enough was enough and confronted his mother and her partner about what was happening. A violent altercation followed and Brett found himself kicked out of home and couch surfing between friends houses. Brett was homeless.

A teacher at his school helped Brett make contact with a youth housing service who were able to give him a safe and stable transitional housing unit with support to become fully independent. A place where he was safe and stable enough to finish his high school education.

SAM, 18

"CAMPAIGN GOALS

#1 BREAK STEREOTYPESWe want to breakdown the stigma and stereotypes attached to the experience of homelessness.A common misconception is that young people leave home because they want to. Many people believe young people runaway from home so that they have more freedom or to live without rules and restrictions.We know this is not the case.70 % of young people experiencing homelessness are escaping a negative home environment, which often includes an abusive, violent or broken home. 1

#2 ENGAGE We want to engage decision makers to help make a change for young homeless people.The YHMD campaign also aims to engage government and corporate sectors to resource specialist youth homelessness services, also known as youth refuges or shelters. These services provide young people with the help they need to get back on their feet.

#3 ADVOCATE Join us in advocating for a national plan to address youth homelessness.Youth homelessness needs a strategic approach at a national level to ensure we can support young people at every stage, from early intervention to crisis support. Visit youthhomelessnessmatters.info to find out how you can contribute to our campaign for a national plan for action on youth homelessness.

TAKE ACTION

#1 LIKEGive us a thumbs up on facebook and have young people’s stories, as well as campaign updates and the countdown, delivered right on to your newsfeed. Follow the hashtag on twitter and keep posted on events organised throughout Australia.

#2 SHAREBreak stereotypes that are associated with youth homelessness by sharing stories, statistics and information on social media and through your networks.

#3 ACTHold an event and help us raise awareness about youth homelessness in your community. Write to your local MP about the importance of this issue. Contact your local newspaper and let them know what is happening in your area. Pledge your support by signing up to our Change.org pettition when it goes live!


1 ABS 2011 Census data


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KEY MESSAGESFACTS

// 42% of the homelessness population is under 25 years old 1

// 28,000 young Australian between 12-25 years old are experiencing homelessness every night 1

// 70% left home to escape family violence, child abuse or family breakdown 2

// The first and most common way young people experience homelessness is couch surfing

ASK

// For homelessness to be seen as an experience and not an identity, there needs to be increased early identification and intervention processes

// There needs to be more focus on recognising the signs of homelessness so there can be less shame and more productive help available // Young people experiencing homelessness need access to supportive and well-resourced services which provide them with the help they need to get back on their feet.

#3 ACT JOIN OUR PETITIONThis Youth Homelessness Matters Day we are calling on political leaders to commit to a national plan to tackle the homelessness amongst young Australians.

A national plan to end youth homelessness would address the systemic issues that drive and exacerbate youth homelessness, including:• Family violence• Access to affordable housing• Youth justice• Young people on custody orders• A housing guarantee for young people

leaving care • Young people leaving care • Child protection• Education• Youth unemployment

We need you to add your voice to the chorus demand-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 far as possible!

CHANGE.ORG PETITION FOR A NATIONALPLAN TO END YOUTH HOMELESSNESShttps://tinyurl.com/yhmdpetition

#1 LIKE ON FACEBOOK

// Like the official Youth Homelessness Matters Day facebook page: facebook.com/yhmday and have young people’s stories and campaign updates delivered right to your newsfeed.

ON TWITTER

// Follow the #YHMD2018 conversation, favourite and re-tweet. ON INSTAGRAM

// Follow the #YHMD2018 on Instagram and like pictures shared by our supporters

#2 SHAREON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM

// Share stories, statistics, the campaign countdown, information and ofcourse our change.org petition with your facebook friends and help us break stereotypes that are associated with youth homelessness. Don’t forget to use the #YHMD2018.


SOCIAL MEDIA KITWe 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!


12 13

PICK A SIZE

SMALL - Small events are most appropriate for time-poor and new event hosts. Small events can be a great way to share the stories of young people with your friends and family while also having a great laugh, dinner or BBQ. Small events typically require only three weeks planning and no outsourcing or cost. MEDIUM - If you’re a social butterfly and thrive at hosting satisfying and enjoyable experiences for your networks and their friends, a medium size event could be just for you. Small businesses can also be a great fit for medium events, in that they require little commitment and give employees the chance to socialise while giving back. Medium events require some prior planning, usually 1-2 months. Depending on the type of event, it will require some outside negotiations and partnerships. LARGE - Go big or go home right? For those with either a large event budget or great networks for sponsorship, a large event provides the opportunity to chance the face of youth homelessness in Australia. By hosting a public awareness event, fun run or fundraising gala, your efforts could not only improve the ability of our community to recognise young people in crisis, but it could also have a flow on affect that impacts young people for years to come. Planning a large event will take at least four months planning and require several planners who can devote significant time to the event.

FIND HELPERS

If you’re hosting anything larger than a backyard BBQ or potluck dinner, it’s best to enlist helpers as soon as possible. Helpers are typically people who you enjoy spending time with and who agree to help out according to their strengths.

Identify how many helpers you’ll need to have a no-stress event & identify why you’re seeking their help when you ask if their interested.

PLAN THE DAY IN DETAIL

Shortly before the event, you need to run through the day in detail with the organising team.

You can ask yourself questions like:

• where will everybody be on the day - does everyone know their roles and responsibilities, including if something goes wrong?

• is the quota full, or do you need to do a last-minute ring round to fill some gaps?

• how will equipment and volunteers get to the venue - and away again?

• will you be able to take hired equipment directly to and from the event, or will it need to be stored?

CHOOSE THE TYPE

After choosing size, the next step to decide what kind of event you would like to put on. When deciding the type of the event, keep in mind your target guests (what would they like to do, where are they most likely to do it and how can it be most satisfying for them to contribute to raising awareness and ending youth homelessness).

Also think about your resources, while you might want to host a eating competition in the Sydney Star Casino for free, is it realistic? Identify what resources you have and what potential strengths or resources you could leverage from your network.

IDENTIFY TIME AND LOCATION

Location, location, location. The key to any successful event is hosting it at a time that fits guests’ schedules and location. Although #YHMD2018 is on Wednesday the 18th of April, this might not be the best day to host an event if you’re inviting mainly people with M-F 9-5 jobs. Instead, why not host your event the weekend before, perhaps in the park if that’s somewhere your networks frequent in April.

When deciding when and where, take into account your guests’ habits and lifestyle, and the type of event your hosting (a family fun run probably shouldn’t be held at 8pm on a Saturday night).

• how close to the event site can organisers’ vehicles get, you may have to consider using a trolley or volunteers to help carry equipment closer to the site?

• who is responsible for money on the day (if you if you think you may raise a large amount, consider arranging for someone to collect the money throughout the day)?

• will you need a lot of change; if so, contact your bank (at least a week in advance) and ask them to put some aside for you?

• will you have enough activities - long queues will spoil people’s day?

• what will happen if the weather is bad?

• do you have enough time, materials and people for setting up and clearing away?

HOLD A YHMD EVENTHosting 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.

14 15

WHY CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MEDIA?

Contacting the local media can:

1 - Be an effective way to promote your event, #YHMD2018 and the larger issue of youth homelessness.

2 Encourage members of the community to attend the event.

3 Help spread the message that more than 28,000 young Australians aged 12-25 are experiencing homelessness and what you are doing to assist these young people.

HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR LOCAL MEDIA?

1 - Write a “letter-to-the-editor.” The letters-to-the-editor page is the most read section in a newspaper, and it is reasonably easy to get a concise, timely, and relevant letter published in most papers. Simply monitor your local paper for related news stories, editorials, columns, or even letters by other readers — then follow-up with your letter.

2 - Submit an opinion piece for publication. After letters-to-the-editor, opinion pieces are the most commonly read part of the paper and are often clipped by Politicians.

2 - Stay focused on your message; don’t get sidetracked by other topics or questions.

3 - Make the connections between your issue and local or national events (the national #YHMD2018 campaign). Reporters are looking for a local angle.

4 - Be timely. Your interaction with the media — whether it be a letter-to-the-editor, an interview, or an offer of assistance — must follow quickly on a breaking news story. During an interview or conversation, for example, if you are asked a question that you don’t know, explain that it is not your area of expertise or offer to get back with the information.

5 - Tell a compelling story that creates a visual image. If possible, help a newspaper reporter find graphics or pictures to accompany the story. For a radio interview, use words that evoke images for the listener.

6 - Speak simply but not simplistically. Don’t “dumb down” what you want to say, but try to use everyday words rather than technical jargon.

7 - Don’t assume too much background knowledge on the part of your audience, but steer clear of the classroom lecture style.

FINAL TIPS#1 Keep anything that you write concise; and if it’s for television, keep it even tighter and shorter;

#2 Unless you are writing a letter-to-the-editor or an opinion piece, avoid opinion and flowery language; and

3 - Put together a press kit. Your press kit should contain a detailed explanation and background material on the issue. You should also include any related articles you think are helpful, and some background on your organisation.

4 - Write a media release. Your media release should be no longer than one page. In general a media release should give the who, what, where, when, and why in the first paragraph. The next paragraphs should detail the what and the why, give more details on the issue. Strong adjectives are good, and a dramatic and emotional quote is always helpful. Put your media contact person and their phone number at the end.

WHO TO CONTACT?

• Newspapers in your area can be found at http://www.newspapers.com.au/

• Local radio stations and TV programs

• Local publications and magazines

WHAT TO COMMUNICATE?

1 - Identify your few “main messages” and concentrate on them throughout the conversation/ interview/written piece. You can, for example, start with a case study or a personal story.

#3 Write in an inverted pyramid style — making your most important and compelling point(s) first, then adding the background and supporting arguments later.

// 42% of the homelessness population is under 25 years old

// 28,000 young Australian between 12-25 years old are experiencing homelessness every night # 70% left home to escape family violence, child abuse or family breakdown

// The first and most common way young people experience homelessness is couch surfing

WHEN TO CONTACT LOCAL MEDIA?

#1 Before your event (1-2 weeks prior), send the editor a short media release with a catchy title outlining the event details (when is it happening, where is it located, who is taking part, what interesting activities are happening during the event and what is the purpose of the event).

#2 Follow up with a phone call. After you’ve sent through details to the editor about your event, make sure you follow them up with a phone call to check that they received your article. Ask them if they need any further information or if they’d be interested in sending a photographer.

#3 After the event (within 3 days), send a high-resolution photograph of your group with a follow up article including the same when,when,who,what,why details as mentioned above.

MEDIA KITSome tips on how to effectively communicate with the media and make the most out of your Youth Homelessness Matter Day


DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITYThe 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-nych

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