At just 16, Jetta Mohamed found himself without a stable place to call home. It wasn’t always sleeping rough. Sometimes it was couch-surfing or crisis accommodation. But the impact was the same: instability, loneliness and responsibilities no teenager should have to carry. Read more
Flipping the role from client to frontline worker, Ellias’ road was not an easy or quick one. After hitting an all-time low, overcoming a toxic relationship with drugs, Ellias is now using his lived experience to help others overcome their situations at The Living Room. This is Ellias' Story. Read more
TJ was a university graduate, who found herself struggling to find an entry-level graduate role off the back of her studies. Through our Employability Skills Training program, she was able to get the encouragement and support needed to persevere into landing her dream role. This is TJ’s story. Read more
Finding an inclusive and understanding workplace as a trans and gender diverse young person, is a barrier often experienced. Through our holistic approach to youth-services, Jordan was able to find an inclusive working environment that she felt accepted in. This is her story. Read more
Under blue skies and summer heat, more than 300 young people and community members gathered at Point Cook for Summer at the Point last Friday. It was a vibrant celebration of music, sport, creativity and connection. Read more
"Family violence and the control all became too much. So, I ran away with just a few basics in a backpack. I didn't even have a phone." Summer felt alone. Unsafe. Unsure of her future! Read more
Emily* was 16 when she came to us - and completely lost. "I didn't think I'd make it to 18, honestly." Read more
At 18, Alex* was already exhausted. Anxiety, undiagnosed ADHD, and feeling trapped in a body that didn't reflect who they really were. Most days felt like a fight - just to get out of bed, just to be seen. Read more
When 19-year-old Jordan* walked into The Living Room, he was carrying a plastic bag with a cracked phone, some loose paperwork and a pack of gum. Read more
Gak Thuc knows how tough it can be when every job feels just out of reach, making the future seem uncertain. Read more
From September 2 to 6 this year, Women’s Health Week is taking centre stage. At Youth Projects, we are spotlighting the untold stories of young women living with disabilities, who face unique and ongoing challenges to find and sustain meaningful employment. Read more
It was a brave side-step from studying to support, but Sharni’s story shows us how the power of self-determination, combined with tailored support, ensures young people are able to realise their full potential. Read more
Cameron’s inspiring journey began at Youth Projects, facing homelessness and family struggles. Despite this, Cameron pursued training, landed a full-time job and found flexibility through the Accommodation Association program, demonstrating resilience and unwavering determination. Read more
Meet Rachel, a single mother facing employment challenges due to her parental responsibilities. With the help of Youth Projects, she discovers a rewarding career path that perfectly aligns with her needs, showcasing the power of determination and innovative solutions. Read more
Casey, an ambitious individual with dreams in business management, received crucial support from Youth Projects after facing a setback. Securing a full-time, work-from-home customer service position, Casey's perseverance is paving the way for a promising future. Read more
Alex's transformative experience with our Transition to Work program showcases its remarkable impact on at-risk young people. Through collective efforts, Alex secured stable housing and overcame barriers, engaging in valuable programs. Read more
Hakim arrived in Australia with hope but faced numerous challenges. Despite obstacles, Hakim's determination and hard work, supported with guidance from Youth Projects, has allowed him to succeed - inspiring other young people to do the same with the right support. Read more
Hearing the news that he was HIV positive was like someone was writing a death notice for Dan. But it opened up a new life for him. Years later he’s on antiretroviral therapy and now works in harm reduction services to change peoples views about HIV and stop the stigma. Read more
Kris was extremely reluctant to see a doctor or seek medical help for several years out of fear and judgement for being transgender. After becoming acutely unwell, The Living Room was there to provide safe and judgement free recovery support. This is their story. Read more
After arriving in Australia only two years ago, Letisya is an extremely resilient young woman who loves to learn and is committed to bettering herself and helping her family start their new life. After arriving as a refugee only two years ago, completing two Certificates via Zoom during lockdown, starting her first paid job since arriving in Australia, and adjusting to life in a new country, this is Letisya's story. Read more
Being on the spectrum, Aiden was finding it really tough to find work that he was able to apply his strengths, abilities and whole self to. With intensive support from our youth-specialist teams, he achieved his goal. Read more
Through a strengths-based approach, counselling and AOD support, Jessie has set solid goals, learnt harm minimisation, refusal and relapse prevention strategies and is emerging out of 2021 stronger than ever before. This is her story. Read more
They were one of the first participants in our Virtual Employability Skills Programs, and nowadays are back as a guest industry speaker. Read all about Bec's journey and their wins during a tumultuous period for young people across Melbourne. Read more
Lucas was borderline agoraphobic and hadn’t been able to leave the house on his own for almost 2 years. He's now studying something he loves, can leave the house without experiencing crippling anxiety and has a whole new perspective on life. Read more