Shelter NSW was well-represented at the recent Homelessness NSW conference held in Newcastle.
 
In addition to participating in the discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, our CEO John facilitated a panel discussion (pictured) on the last day of the conference titled Forging a Path Forward: A Critical Examination of the Youth Foyer Model for Alleviating Homelessness.  
 
Narelle Clay (CEO, Southern Youth and Family Services), Liz Cameron-Smith (CEO, Foyer Foundation), Stephanie Oatley (CEO, Platform Youth Services), and Aimee Cavallero (Foyer Manager, Uniting’s Foyer Central) had a robust, productive and informative discussion. Great to her so many ‘tips for new players’ based on real experience from the speakers.
 
This was an exceptional conference that really helped consolidate our position around the urgency of homelessness issues and how Shelter NSW can complement the ‘urgent’ work being undertaken at the coalface with the upstream ‘important’ systemic issues that we are well placed to assist with.

It was heartening to see such a high profile program as the ABC’s Insiders program end a recent program with a few words about the role of youth foyers in tackling youth homelessness.
 
Follow the link here to hear journalist David Speers speaking to Brea Dorsett and Tyrah Chan-Hampton, both of whom are Youth Ambassadors for Foyer Foundation – an organisation they credit with helping change their lives:  – On Background: Solving youth homelessness – ABC listen