National data mirrors demand at Mission Australia's services

New national data released today showing an increase in demand for welfare services across Australia mirrors Mission Australia's own frontline experience.

Mission Australia CEO, Toby Hall, said the number of people seeking assistance at Mission Australia’s homeless services and other community assistance programs has continued to rise in recent years – highlighting the ongoing plight of Australians struggling with financial and personal hardship.

Data published by the Australian Council of Social Service today reported a 12 per cent increase in assistance provided by agencies for services ranging from homelessness to mental health to aged care.

The data also showed that despite providing services on 6,180,282 occasions in 2009-10 compared with 5,513,780 in 2008-09, more than half of the 783 organisations polled said they had been forced to turn people away as they were unable to meet demand.

“This is a clear indication of how serious the demand has become for more services to help people who are struggling in our community,” Mr Hall said.

“Everyday, staff at our services are contacted by individuals and families desperately in need of help: people struggling with long-term homelessness; parents who are unable to find work and can no longer afford to pay the rent; and children who are dropping out of school because of the challenges they face on the home front.

“These trends are particularly concerning, when you consider that high unemployment, large numbers of young people not engaged in education or training, and general disengagement from community are the seeds of the kind of activities we have seen in Britain this month.

“This is a strong reminder to Australia of how important it is to provide adequate support services to help disadvantaged members of our community turn their lives around.

“We don’t want to see Australia's level of disadvantage increase. And most of all, we don’t want to see people in need being turned away from crucial services because the demand is just too great.

“At Mission Australia we are committed to helping people turn their lives around – especially those people who have been turned away by every other service provider.

“We don’t want to see anybody left behind – and that’s why we will continue to work with all levels of government to identify new opportunities to support people who are at risk of homelessness or disadvantage," said Mr Hall.

Kids now get into the zoo for free

Great news for Victorian kids and families! The Victorian Coalition Government has just announced that it’s giving children free entry to three outstanding zoos – Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Zoo and Melbourne Zoo.

The $10.7 million initiative, expected to give free entry to 266,000 children, was welcomed by Paul Bird, Mission Australia’s State Director, who said it was important that the wonderful learning and discovery experiences at zoos were accessible to all Victorians.

“Mission Australia applauds the government for this initiative as it will enable more families to enjoy the many experience and wonders offered by Zoos Victoria,” Mr Bird said.

Mission Australia’s 2010 National Youth Survey found the number of Victorians taking part in arts and cultural activities had dropped significantly since 2008, highlighting the need to encourage activities that engage children and their families to build their relationships and life skills.
The initiative will grant children under 16 years of age free entry on Victorian public holidays and school holidays plus weekends from 1 July – which in time for the winter school break.

The Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Chris Ryan, said the subsidy would reduce the cost from $12.60 to zero and a family ticket would be reduced from $58 to $50.80.

Every year since 2008, Mission Australia Family Day at the Zoo, in partnership with Zoos Victoria and MetLink and V/Line, has given free entry and free public transport to Victorian children from across the state - including migrants and refugees.

Last December, more than 100 volunteers from Mission Australia, Vline and Metlink helped many first-time public transport users find their way to and from the event, as well as navigate their way around the zoo.

Further information:

• Melbourne Zoo opens doors to 3,000 children and families from across Victoria
• Adelaide kids enjoy a day at the zoo

Media Release: Concern at numbers of homeless people turned away

Mission Australia - one of the largest providers of homeless services in the country – has expressed its concern at new figures which show close to 60% of people who need help from government-funded homeless shelters are turned away each day.

The data, released this morning by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, show that of people needing new and immediate accommodation every day in 2009-10, 58% were unable to be placed.

The AIHW’s report also states the group most likely to be turned away were families with an average of 82% of couples with children, 69% of couples without children and 67% of individuals with children who requested new and immediate accommodation turned away each day, compared with 45% of individuals without children – similar results to those in 2008-09.

Mission Australia’s Chief Executive, Toby Hall, said the knowledge that the majority were family groups – who would have ended up sleeping rough, in cars, or in other dangerous situations – fitted with Mission Australia’s experience and was cause for significant alarm.

“These numbers – and the tragic individual stories behind them – are shameful. Any level of homelessness in Australia is unacceptable,” said Mr Hall.

“For our society not have the capacity to meet the demand of homeless families is an indictment on our values and priorities.

“These latest results match up pretty closely with Mission Australia’s own experiences. Our data suggests that single women with children and families are likely to have the most difficulty in accessing accommodation due to a lack of capacity.

“Anecdotally, many services in outer metro and regional areas are reporting escalating demand that they are unable to meet. What then follows is a ‘drift’ into the inner city which causes both a loss of personal and community networks for the individual and a severe bottleneck in terms of demand for services and access to housing in those areas.

“We also need to recognise that these figures only tell part of the story. For every person fronting up at one of these government-funded services for help there’d be hundreds of others who chose not to – the 'hidden homeless'. I’m thinking of young people couch-surfing temporarily with friends or extended family. Those people don’t get counted in this research.

“And let’s not forget that 30% of people turned away were Aboriginal, despite making up just 2% of the population.

“Both federal and state/territory governments have made a significant investment in tackling homelessness over the past few years – measures that are aimed not only at addressing accommodation capacity but also to cut the flow of people into homelessness and to try and get them on their feet more quickly once they’re there.

“Figures released last week show that funding starting to have an impact with the total number of people supported by government-funded homeless services rising by seven per cent in 2009-10 to 219,900.

“But with the turn away rates remaining at last year’s levels it’s obvious we haven’t succeeded in ‘turning the tap off’ in terms of people entering into homelessness.

“What these figures show us is that Australia’s homeless problem won’t be fixed overnight. It’s a reminder that we need to work harder, better and more effectively if we’re going to get on top of the problem,” said Mr Hall.

Media contact: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495

Mums staying connected at Chigwell House

With Mother’s Day coming up, we’d like to share some wonderful feedback we received from Amelia*, one of the mums who benefited from our Parents Staying Connected Program at Mission Australia Centre Chigwell House in Hobart.

The program is one of many offered at Chigwell House to help people address personal issues and secure and maintain stable housing. Parents Staying Connected provides opportunities for families to access ongoing learning and play sessions, create links to education and parenting support, attend social events, increase confidence and work in a community garden. It’s designed to help families to work toward brighter futures for themselves and their children.

Amelia is a 22-year-old single mum of two children under five who has turned her life around thanks to the Parents Staying Connected program. Here she kindly shares her experiences about the support she received at Mission Australia Centre Chigwell House:

“When I went into the Parents Staying Connected Program I was scared how people would treat me, look at me, think of me! My confidence was very low as I have just come out of a difficult relationship and living from place to place. My two children are very clingy and won’t leave my side, but when I walked into Parents Staying Connected at Chigwell House we were very welcomed!

“I sort of didn’t know how to approach people and what to say. I was very nervous about meeting new people as I thought everyone there had normal relationships, a house and everything was sweet. I felt so alone and depressed. I remember just saying to myself ‘just open up and be me’, so I did and I got along with everyone. The kids and I played and laughed and I had a really good time.

“Staff made me feel like I had always been a part of the group and I chatted with other mums about everyday things and the time flew by. I was really wrapped in myself and the kids. My son kept on asking me ‘Mummy, when’s playgroup? Can we go now?’ That made me smile as he was never like that before.

“It was also great to see some friends I went to school with there. As time went by I got some really close friends now who have been through the same as what I went through. I finally wasn’t going through it on my own.

“My children are now starting to go and play with other children - they wouldn’t do that before. I was so wrapped when I heard I could do a first aid and Save a Mate course there, so I can further my skills and my children could come with me. I have now done these and I’m really happy where I am at. I have now got a house, my kids are happy and we look forward to going to Parents Staying Connected every week.

“It’s now just over a year since I started coming to Parents Staying Connected, staff from Mission Australia have helped me put my children into day care so I can study community services. My aim is to work with the youth. My children are happy, my depression and anxiety are up and down but under control as I’m building my future.

“I feel that I have came along way since starting Parents Staying Connected and I hope my future goals come together and my confidence builds stronger every day.”

You can help build brighter futures

On 25 May Mission Australia is hosting The Ultimate Taste Test at Cooleys Hotel, Moonah, to raise funds for Mission Australia Centre Chigwell House and support more families like Amelia’s. Guests at this secret five-course degustation will be asked to guess the key ingredients in each dish and the type and origin of each matching wine. Tickets are $120, including five courses with paired wines. For more details or to book call Erica Loring on (03) 6234 3240 or email loringe@missionaustralia.com.au.

You can also assist Mission Australia to help more families and children to get their lives on track by making a donation to our Winter Appeal.

*Name has been changed

Communities for Children Plus to help WA families

Families in Midland, WA, will benefit from the new Communities for Children Plus site, which will help children under the age of 12 who need extra support to reach their full potential.

Launched last month by Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services, Julie Collins, the Communities for Children Plus service will be delivered by Swan Alliance – which is made up of Mission Australia, Anglicare WA and the parenting service Ngala.

It is one of eight Communities for Children Plus sites in communities of high disadvantage, the others being Kempsey and Campbelltown in New South Wales, Playford in South Australia, Launceston in Tasmania, Ipswich in Queensland, Cardinia in Victoria, and East Arnhem in the Northern Territory.

The Swan Alliance will receive $3.3 million over three years to offer a range of services for local Midland families, including playgroups, after-school and school holiday activities, and events to encourage social interaction between parents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

These services will be delivered in Beechboro, Bullsbrook, Caversham, Ellenbrook, Kiara, Koongamia, Lockridge, Middle Swan, Midland, Stratton and Midvale.

"This is not a silver bullet but a long-term plan,” Mission Australia's WA Director Ross Kyrwood said last week.
“We want to see this longer dream bring about some real change. We hope the community can learn to trust us to bring about transformation."

Image courtesy of Community Newspaper Group

Media coverage - SMH: Families are the city's hidden homeless

The number of homeless families in Sydney has risen alarmingly, says a report out today.

Families are the hidden face of homelessness, making up between a quarter and one-third of Australia's homeless population, says the Wesley Mission, which provides crisis accommodation to about 500 people each night.

Contrary to the popular image of homeless people as male, single and sleeping on the streets, the report, based on interviews with 50 homeless families, finds that just 7 per cent of Sydney's homeless sleep rough, with the rest in crisis accommodation or "couch surfing" with family or friends.

Women are just as likely to be homeless as men, and mother with children make up more than half of all homeless families.

"Alarmingly, the population of homeless families is on the rise," Wesley Mission's chief executive, the Reverend Keith Garner, said.

"They are in our suburbs, sleeping on the floor in a relative or friend's house, sleeping in their car, living in a refuge after they've left a violent partner, sitting patiently at Centrelink trying to arrange emergency accommodation or living with their three kids in a motel room until a vacancy comes up on the long waiting list for public housing."

Domestic violence is the No.1 cause of homelessness in families, followed by relationship breakdown or divorce.

"They're mostly young, more often than not women, and are almost always accompanied by young children,'' Dr Garner said.

This was worrying because there is a strong intergenerational link to homelessness: more than half of the adults in the 50 homeless families surveyed for the report had been homeless as children. Children raised in homeless families often became "socialised" by the experience, repeating the pattern as adults.

"It is clear from these results that having a parent who has been homeless is a significant predictor of being homeless as an adult," the report says.

"Poverty and alcohol are also common links, with more than half having had parents who had financial problems and issues with alcohol abuse."

Of children aged more than 10 in the families surveyed, six in 10 had been arrested or incarcerated, compared with just 1 per cent of all children aged 10 to 17.

Wesley Mission proposes an 11-point plan to tackle homeless families, including a ''tell us once'' approach from government agencies so that the families do not have to repeat their histories ad nauseam and a single access point to government services and payments. It also proposes better training for those working with the families, more, and more flexible, housing options and more effective management of NSW public housing properties, which often are empty or underused.

Story originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald on 3 May 2011.

Media Release: Mission Australia launches new education program for young mums

A new program that breaks the barriers preventing young mums from completing a mainstream education is now accepting enrolments in the Greater Dandenong region.

The Aim’n High program, a joint collaboration between Mission Australia, Hallam Senior Secondary College and South East Local Learning and Employment Network, will give young mothers aged 16 to 19 access to high quality childcare in a supportive learning environment.

Aim'n High also provides intensive case management and parenting education, with plans to include visits from the Maternal and Child Health Service to ensure the mums get all the support they need to meet the demands of parenthood and study.

Mission Australia Manager of Child and Family Services Melinda Chapman said many young mothers needed help in completing their education.

"We saw Mission Australia's Early Learning Services as an opportunity to combine our services and offer childcare while assisting those mums with their studies," she said.

Up to 20 students in the program will study VCE level English and Human Development, taught by teachers from Hallam Secondary College, in a four-day week. Homework can be completed in the afternoon, helping to confine workload within school hours.

"It's challenging to be a first-time mum, regardless of facing the demands of study as well. This Program will make a significant difference to young mothers' education outcomes and to address issues such as disadvantage and disengagement," Melinda said.

"We hope to see our students eventually return to mainstream study at a school or go on to TAFE or vocational training."

National Director of Mission Australia Early Learning Services Marie Howard said: "We are very excited to offer this unique service to young mums. It's extra support and easy access to education and quality childcare, in a comfortable and safe environment."

The Program will run at Mission Australia's Early Learning Service at Doveton.  Find location details for this service (including maps) at this link.

Aim'n High is now taking enrolments. For more information call the South East Youth Connections Program on 1800 335 106.

To coordinate an interview with Melinda Chapman or for photo opportunities, contact:

• Sigrid Rynehart, Mission Australia on (03) 8615 2226 / 0428 865 335 or ryneharts@missionaustralia.com.au
• Emily Lehmann, Fenton Communications on (03) 9600 0006 / 0421 852 501 or emilyl@fenton.com.au

Caring for the carers in Port Macquarie

Did you know there over 2.6 million unpaid family carers in Australia, more than 770,000 of whom are primary carers?

To address this growing need, Mission Australia has commenced a new program to assist mental health carers on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

The Eight Stage Healing Process for Mental Health Carers, which started in Port Macquarie on Monday, is a 10-week course of two hours per session held once a week.

The course, presented by staff from the Mission Australia's Family and Carer Mental Health Program, is designed for family, carers and friends of people with a mental health condition, who would like to attend a group program that can assist them to work through their own healing process.

The course does this by introducing participants to new ways of coping and defining the caring role, and is based on the idea that it is possible for family and friends to care for a loved one without losing sight of their own needs.

Created by Julie Tallard Johnson The Eight Stage Healing Process works with the notion that healing oneself assists with healing family relationships.

The carer healing process is a lifelong journey and the Eight Stage program is a catalyst for that process.

A carer who has attended the course said: "There are many brave people, carers, out there, no one is an island, and if others can make it through their difficult time I can too when those situations arrive."

Other positive feedback includes: “Eight Stages is very worthwhile. It’s essential for all carers of anyone with a mental illness” and “Thank you so much, your information and help relieves stress and makes us more effective carers”.

If you would like to attend please contact Claudia Richardson, Family and Carer Mental Health Program Education and Training Coordinator, on (02) 6584 4147 or 0408 265 039.

You can also find out more about our Family and Carer Mental Health Program here, including contacts in northern NSW.

* ABS (2009) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers.

Transform a young life today

Many thanks to everyone who has made a donation to Mission Australia’s Youth Appeal 2011, especially given the tough start to the year experienced by so many Australians.

Such community generosity helps us to continue to run our life-changing programs to support young Australians to overcome very real problems such as substance addiction, family breakdown and abuse.

There is still time to donate
We urgently need more donations to help young people in crisis this year. Your donation will give a young Australian not only the professional support to transform their life, but the courage and self-belief to overcome the challenges they face in the future. This could include a series of one-on-one counselling sessions to help them overcome personal tragedy, abuse or mental illness, or a placement in a youth rehabilitation program.

For more information visit missionaustralia.com.au/youth-appeal

Donate today
$30 can help cover the phone calls of one young person during their stay at a youth rehabilitation program, enabling them to stay in touch with family and loved ones
$60 can help fund one session with a qualified counsellor for a young person overcoming personal tragedy, abuse, or mental health issues
$90 can help fund one young person into a youth rehabilitation program for a night

With your help we can continue to offer our life-changing services to Australians in need.

*Name and image have been changed to protect the identity of our client.

Spare a thought for the “hidden homeless” this Christmas

Of the 105,000 people who are homeless every night in Australia, about a quarter are families with children.

With this statistic, staff attending last week’s Westpac Christmas party in Sydney were reminded that not everyone had safe and secure homes to return to that night.

Before the end-of-year festivities, Westpac’s Head of Stakeholder Communications Sean Glover joined Mission Australia Community Services Executive Leader Lincoln Hopper and Missionbeat Manager Daniel Petsalis on stage to provide an insight into family homelessness.

The 20-minute discussion to raise awareness about this “hidden homelessness” came a week after Westpac and Mission Australia launched a partnership to combat family homelessness.

“What makes it [family homelessness] worse is that eight out of 10 families can’t be helped and that tears the fabric of Australia apart,” Mr Hopper said. “It’s a horrible problem that we have to solve and thankfully we are starting to make inroads into that.”

Mr Hopper said a lack of affordable housing was a central cause of family homelessness, but the loss of a job, a financial setback, divorce and mental health problems contributed.

“If you don’t have a job and you’re homeless it’s awfully difficult to find another one. Your kids won’t be going to school, and it’s going to be difficult to do anything but try to search for somewhere to live. That repeated day in and day out takes people into a spiral,” he said.

“People start to rely on the family and friends network… but after a couple of months you’re going to wear out your welcome.”

Mr Petsalis recalled a homeless mother and five children who “outwore their welcome” with family a few days before Christmas 2009: “I made the trip out to pick up her and her five kids. And being a dad of four kids of similar age and knowing this Christmas these kids were not going to be spending it at home, and there was going to be 12,000 kids Santa wouldn’t find, it was sad to see…”

Fortunately, Mission Australia placed the family in accommodation before Christmas and linked them to support services. “It was just by that contact with us that we were able to start that ball rolling, because they were going to hit the streets the next day,” Mr Petsalis said.

Westpac staff were moved to tears when Leslie Butt, Mission Australia Operations Manager Adult Accommodation and Support, shared a poignant story about a young family she assisted at Fairfax House – an accommodation service in Sydney’s west for families in crisis.

“I know how heartbreaking it is to see anyone that’s homeless, but if you’ve ever experienced seeing a homeless child, a homeless family and not be touched by that… Everybody wants to have good things for their families.

For the past eight months, the family had been living in temporary housing and in their car, so they were relieved that a two-bedroom unit was available to them:

“The car had broken down and wasn’t on the road so they had to come in by train and all their belongings were in plastic bags,” Lesley recalled. “And I remember this little girl, she would probably only be about four, came up the pathway dragging her little bag and said ‘Can I stay here?’

“I said ‘Of course darling you can stay, and she was so happy. It stuck in my mind that a little four-year-old girl was asking to stay with her belongings in a rubbish bag.

You can help Mission Australia to overcome family homelessness by supporting our Christmas Appeal.

Media Release: Melbourne Zoo opens doors to 3,000 children and their families from across Victoria

More than three thousand Victorians will experience the zoo for the first time today at Melbourne Zoo as part of a pre-Christmas event that enables social inclusion, education and fun.

The Mission Australia Family Day at the Zoo, in partnership with Zoos Victoria and MetLink and V/Line, gives free entry and free public transport to Victorian children from across the state, including migrants and refugees.

Mission Australia Victoria State Director said: “Many of us take the opportunity to visit Melbourne’s world-leading arts and recreation venues for granted, but this is the first chance many of our family guests will have to experience the excitement and wonder of a zoo.

“Our latest National Youth Survey found the number of Victorians taking part in arts and cultural activities has dropped significantly since 2008, highlighting the need to encourage activities which engage children and their families to build their relationships and life skills,” he said.

As part of its programs, Mission Australia has supported many of these families to overcome the challenges that have prevented them from participating in community activities and taking public transport in the past.

“All families have been provided with free travel on metropolitan and regional networks for the day, which will boost their confidence on public transport in the future.

“We thank Metlink and V/Line for their support,” said Mr Bird.

More than 100 volunteers from Mission Australia, Vline and Metlink will help many first-time public transport users find their way to and from the event, as well as navigate their way around the zoo.

Melbourne Zoo Director Kevin Tanner said: “We welcome the opportunity to encourage families to connect with amazing animals from Australia and around the world and find out how they can play a part in saving wildlife.”

Highlights also include face painting, music performances and chalk art, which start from 10am.

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Event details

• What: Mission Australia and Zoos Victoria Family Day at the Zoo
• Where: Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Avenue, Parkville.
• When: 10AM to 3PM on Wednesday, 22 December
  12.15PM – Media opportunities
• Who: More than 3,000 migrants, refugees and Victorian children and their families visiting Melbourne Zoo for the first time.

Interview and photo opportunities:

• Mission Australia’s Victorian State Director, Paul Bird
• Zoos Victoria CEO, Jenny Gray
• Families attending
• Children feeding the giraffes

Media contacts:

• Rachael Nightingale on (03) 9600 0006 / 0449 881 980 or rachael@fenton.com.au
• Emily Lehmann on (03) 9600 0006 / 0421 852 501 or emilyl@fenton.com.au

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BHP volunteers help us prepare for Christmas Lunch In The Park

Thirteen Perth volunteers, including BHP employees, Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and local media personalities, have made a good start on the 2,000 gifts that need to be wrapped to distribute at Mission Australia’s 35th Christmas Lunch In The Park.

The volunteers folded and taped paper and curled ribbons in the Old Gasworks Building in Perth on Monday afternoon. Other generous people will work throughout this week to complete the wrapping in time for the iconic Christmas Day celebration.

After 35 years, Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch In The Park is something of a Perth institution. Held at Wellington Square Park, East Perth, it provides disadvantaged and isolated members of the community with companionship and a place to celebrate the festive season.

BHP volunteers Neil Blom (pictured with Mission Australia’s WA Events and Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Wilson), Belinda Truman, Rebecca Samulski, Viet Nguyen, Gemma Kinslow and Jodee Anderson were among those who rolled up their sleeves to wrap presents for Mission Australia on Monday.

You can view our wonderful gift-wrapping volunteers in action at the following link:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/video...

Mission Australia now has plenty of gifts to give to children on Christmas Day but is still keen to receive donated gifts that are suitable for adults. Toiletries, towels, sunglasses or backpacks would be most welcome.

If you would like to donate gifts for Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch in the Park 2010 please call (08) 9225 0400 or visit www.missionpromotion.com/clip

A helping hand into a home

Not everyone’s a winner during a booming property market, as Adelaide mum Jane* knows only too well.

Winter 2009 was a time of precarious living for Jane and her three children, with the cold nights spent sleeping in motels and even the family car.

“We had to leave the home we were in as it was being renovated. Once the work was done the rent shot up and I couldn’t afford it,” Jane said.

“I put in over 100 applications but couldn’t find a place. I’m a full-time carer and if you’re not working it’s harder to get a lease.

“When you rent, all it takes is for something to go wrong – even something to happen to the owner – and you could be homeless.”

After months of uncertainty, Jane was referred to The Parks, Mission Australia’s Family Accommodation and Support Service in Adelaide’s western suburbs. 

Family Support Worker Helen Delaney moved quickly to help Jane prioritise her bill payments, organised for her to receive financial counselling and assisted the family into secure housing.

“Helen worked solidly to move me into a Mission Australia house,” Jane said. “She also did a lot of ringing around about bills, especially my storage bills, which kept the pressure off. If you’ve got an advocate from Mission Australia, things just go smoother, way smoother.”

Within two weeks Mission Australia moved Jane and her family into a private rental in a family-friendly suburb.

“My life is getting way better,” she said. “I have a roof over my head and it’s long-term and I’ve paid all my storage bills.

“I’m so glad we’re stable and not going anywhere and my older daughters can concentrate on school - being 13 and 11 and not having a home is very scary. And for my little one, just having a comfort zone is important. She’s now much more fun to be around.”

Jane particularly appreciated Mission Australia staff staying in contact to ensure her life was well and truly back on track.

“They kept in touch to make sure I was okay,” she said. “They don’t just get you on your feet and leave you; they make sure you’re properly solid.”

The positive outcome, according to Helen, was very much due to Jane’s determination to do the best for her family: “Her turnover from being homeless to settling into private rental took weeks. It showed just how dedicated she was to getting her life back on track.

“She is a great example of someone who just needed that extra bit of support. As we always say, ‘There but for the grace of God go I… You just don’t know where your life is going to lead you.”

* Name has been changed.

Media Release: Concern at growing numbers of homeless people turned away

Mission Australia - one of the largest providers of homeless services in the country - has expressed its concern at new figures which show more than 60% of people who need help from government-funded homeless shelters are turned away each day.

The data, released this morning by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, show that of people needing new and immediate accommodation every day in 2008-09, 62% were unable to be placed.

The AIHW's report also states the group most likely to be turned away were families with an average of 80% of couples with children, 75% of couples without children and 69% of individuals with children who requested new and immediate accommodation turned away each day, compared with 50% of individuals without children.

Mission Australia's Chief Executive, Toby Hall, said the knowledge that the majority were family groups - who would have ended up sleeping rough, in cars, or in other dangerous situations - was cause for significant alarm.

"These figures are one more indication that over decades our country's approach towards helping people out of homelessness has been a failure," said Mr Hall."These numbers - and the tragic individual stories behind them - are shameful. Any level of homelessness in Australia is unacceptable.

"For our society not have the capacity to meet the demand of homeless families is an indictment on our collective values and priorities.

"We also need to recognise that these figures only tell part of the story. For every person fronting up at one of these government-funded services for help there'd be hundreds of others who chose not to - the 'hidden homeless'. I'm thinking of young people couch-surfing temporarily with friends or extended family. Those people don't get counted in this research.

"Knowing this data collection also took place a significant time ago is another reality check. Anecdotally we've seen a significant increase in individuals and families either homeless or at risk of homelessness over the past 18 months.

"Thankfully, we have seen concerted action on behalf of federal and state governments over the past year in regards to tackling homelessness and its many causes - measures that are aimed not only at addressing accommodation capacity but also to cut the flow of people into homelessness and to try and get them on their feet more quickly once they're there.

"But what these figures show us is that homelessness is a problem that's not going to be fixed overnight. It's a reminder that we need to work harder, better and more effectively if we're going to get on top of the problem," said Mr Hall.

Media contact: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495

Mission Australia releases new report: 'Insights into the concerns of young Australians'

'Insights into the concerns of young Australians: Making sense of the numbers' is a new report released today by Mission Australia's Research & Social Policy unit.

In 2009 Mission Australia conducted its eighth annual National Survey of Young Australians, the largest of it's kind in Australia.

The survey asked young people aged 11 to 24 years about what they value, their concerns, where they go for advice and support and who they admire.

The new report sheds light on what the 48,000 young Australians surveyed are most concerned about.  To provide a snapshot, these issues were provided by respondents as their greatest concern:

• Drugs (26.8% of respondents)
• Suicide (26.3%)
• Body image (25.5%)
• Family conflict (24.1%)
• Bullying/emotional abuse (23.4%)
• Alcohol (23.0%)
• Physical/sexual abuse (22.7%)
• Personal safety (22.2%)
• Coping with stress (18.7%)
• Depression (18.7%)
• School or study problems (17.3%)
• The environment (16.7%)
• Self harm (13.3%)
• Discrimination (11.7%)
• Sexuality - relationships, health, identity (11.4%)

The new report helps to 'make sense of the numbers' and delves into analysis of these key concerns.

Click here to view the report online or download a PDF version from this link

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The 2010 National Survey of Young Australians has almost come to a close.  Northern Territorians are still able to have their say until the 30th July - Click here to participate in the 2010 survey

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Media Release: New Mission Australia regional office opened in Dubbo

Mission Australia’s new regional office will be officially opened today, Monday 7 June, by CEO Toby Hall – marking the ongoing commitment to transforming the lives of people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged in the Dubbo community.

Mission Australia’s new home in the historic, 1890s built, Old Bank building in Macquarie Street has been chosen because its central location which will increase access to and awareness of vital community programs.

“We provide a vast array of services to the Dubbo community, whether it’s to reduce homelessness, support people with a mental illness or help young people leaving the juvenile justice system to break the cycle of criminality” said Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall.

“Offering a wide range of programs in one location is part of our ‘place-based’ assistance model, which helps build stronger communities by offering multiple services for vulnerable individuals and families.

“This facilitates a holistic way of helping people to transform their lives – and we are proud to be able to offer these services at our new Dubbo Regional Office.

“We’ll be providing the Resource and Recovery Program, Youth Connections, the Dubbo Leadership and Cultural Development Program, and the Post Release Support Program – to name just a few.”

Mission Australia opened its first service in Dubbo in 1996 and today there is a team of more than 20 staff in Dubbo with a further 65 across the Central and Far West of New South Wales.

Other programs run throughout the region include: the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative, Brighter Futures, Personal Helpers and Mentors Program, Family Support Service, Reconnect Far West, Orange Youth Accommodation Support Service, Bilingali, and Family Case management program.

Opening details:
What: Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall opening the Dubbo Regional Office
When: 3.30pm Monday 7 June 2010
Where: Ground Floor, Reception, 110-114 Macquarie Street, Dubbo

For more information, please contact:
Sally Popplestone
Mobile: 0415 547 626, Email: popplestones@missionaustralia.com.au

Homelessness - what will it take to grab your attention?

Homelessness is a problem nearly all of us wish to end. Yet there are so many appeals to donate to you could become completely desensitised to them.

It’s unfortunate, but that’s our reality. What’s it going to take to get someone’s attention? What else can we do to get people to donate?

That’s why our new donation appeal looks like we’re offering a free gift with every donation. We’ve realised there are endless ways to ask for help, but there’s nothing we can offer that compares to the good feeling you get when you help someone in need.

Mission Australia can help end homelessness and help people get their lives back on track, but we need your support.

There are more than 100,000 homeless Australians, and nearly one in five will sleep outside in the cold tonight. Some will only have a newspaper to keep warm. Living on the street can have grim consequences, from isolation and loneliness to low self-esteem and mental illness.

When homeless people do seek help they face further daunting problems. They typically visit multiple services, yet most of these are overstretched and must turn people away. Across the nation, Mission Australia has 87 services for homeless people that provide the guidance and motivation they need to transform their lives.

Mission Australia is committed to ending homelessness in Australia. We believe all Australians should be able to live in a safe, secure and affordable home.

Our primary focus is to prevent homelessness from occurring. We provide financial counselling, family and individual support, mental health support, and employment and training assistance to help keep people from falling into crisis.

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New donation appeal - click to expand:

Melbourne Zoo to open the doors for disadvantaged Victorians

Meerkats, tigers and gorillas are just some of the wildlife that 3,000 migrant, refugee and disadvantaged Victorians will visit today at the Mission Australia/Zoos Victoria Family Day at Melbourne Zoo.

The Family Day is aims to provide an opportunity to social inclusion for disengaged and disadvantaged children and their families from across Victoria through free public transport courtesy of Metlink and V/Line, an experience most Victorians take for granted.

Mission Australia State Director, Paul Bird, said the event, in its second year, is all about giving disengaged and disadvantaged individuals and families the confidence and skills needed to navigate public transport and experience the fun and education of the Melbourne Zoo.

“Our Family Day provides people – some who have never experienced public transport and the adventure of going to the zoo in their lives – with a wonderful opportunity to get up close and experience a much loved community icon,” Mr Bird said.

“Mission Australia is committed to ensuring all Victorians are able to participate in their communities and it is really inspiring so many are able to experience the joy of interacting with friends, family and the animals at our Family Day.”

As reported in Mission Australia’s 2009 Survey of Young Australians, the number of young Victorians participating in cultural activities or attending significant events or attractions has dropped significantly.

“In 2008, almost 46 per cent of young Victorians were involved in these pursuits. This year, only 20 per cent are. We’ve also seen a drop in attendance of sporting events as a spectator, down from 48.4 per cent to 39.7,” Mr Bird said.

“These figures suggest that the global financial crisis has really hit hard for some Victorian families, so it is of increased importance to have events like this to spread some cheer over the holiday season.”

Melbourne Zoo Director, Kevin Tanner, said the first Family Day last year was a great success.

“We hope that the guests coming to the event this year will enjoy the Zoo experience, especially our new Wild Sea display, and leave at the end of their visit with a greater appreciation of wildlife and a better understanding of the need to conserve it,” Mr Tanner said.

Bakers Delight has provided small pastry treats for families and RACV has donated new colouring books for the children.

More than 100 volunteers from Mission Australia, Metlink and RACV will help families find their way to and from the event and navigate the zoo grounds.

Activities on the day include face painting, music performances, carousel rides, up close encounters with animals and colouring in activities.

Is there a doctor in the house?

Homeless residents of Mission Australia’s Roma House in Brisbane are benefiting from free legal health checks thanks to law firm Freehills and the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House Incorporated (QPILCH).

More than 20 Freehills lawyers have volunteered to administer the legal check, which screens the residents for debt, housing, crime and family legal issues.

Research has shown that disadvantaged clients are not often aware of their legal issues, nor do they seek legal assistance.

"The new clinic at Roma House provides the opportunity for lawyers to actively engage with the clients," Freehills solicitor and Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic team leader Sam Brown said.

"The legal health check has enabled the clients to address the issues and be free of the court system," she said. "It enables them to get on with their lives and focus on what their future may be once they are no longer homeless," said Roma House manager Rachel Watson.

The legal health check project is funded by Roma House and Streetsmart, a fundraising initiative whereby restaurant patrons can financially support homeless services by adding a small amount to their restaurant bill. Details of participating restaurants can be found at www.streetsmartaustralia.org/findrestaurant.

• Mission Australia's Community Services in Queensland
• Roma House - for further reading click here

Keeping families together: A community service manager's story

Mission Australia’s Project Circuit Breaker (PCB) is a mobile crisis service that supports parents with children aged 9 to 17 on Brisbane’s north-side.

The program uses a range of techniques to help achieve positive outcomes for families such as mediation to help reduce conflict and parenting skills to enable parents to communicate with their children more effectively.

We interviewed Service Manager, Kym Dwyer, who describes what it is like to work at the front line of this unique service.

Describe a recent client success story...

"I really enjoyed witnessing the changes to many families lives when PCB was offered the opportunity by (corporate partner) Vodafone to take 20 families to Sydney for a ‘Star Tour’.


"Twenty families were treated to an overnight stay in a hotel, a boat cruise on Sydney Harbour and a tour of Fox Studios where they wrote and recorded a song together and made a film clip. Some of our families had never been on a plane before or spent quality time together.

"The positive impacts the trip had on the families were numerous including improvement in relationships and increased confidence of the parents to adequately care for and provide safe environments for their children. It was an awesome experience for them and for us!"


What is the most challenging aspect of your role?

"It can be emotionally challenging sometimes hearing some of the personal hardships and struggles that a family has gone through."

What are the best aspects of your job?

"I enjoy working with families who want to make positive changes in their lives. I appreciate every moment a family opens up and shares their story with me. To be part of each family’s transformation process is a rewarding experience."