Youth

Youth Action Plan

{also} has been engaged for the past 18 months or so in a process designed to strengthen and develop the organisation and determine and direct our future resources and activities - this work is reflected in the {also} Strategic Directions 2007-2010 document and the particular activities this commits us to.

A key feature of this effort has been the reflection and examination of the particular role and needs of young people within our organisation and the community more broadly. This is based on the understanding that young people are a vital and important aspect of our community and one which must be both respected, nurtured and supported.

The fruit of this work is the inaugural {also} : Youth Action Plan 2008-2011. This document is the result of extensive discussion and review amongst a range of stake-holders - not least young people themselves and forms the basis of our thinking around future activity for our organisation relating to young people.

A key feature of the way {also} works and therefore of this document is partnership - working with others to achieve shared goals. You will find therefore strong emphasis on working with others to support their efforts and strengthen ours.

We plan to hold a consultation launch/workshop at which young people will have an opportunity to explore views and perspectives, identify gaps and indicate priority or interest. This is likely to be the the initial starting point for the proposed Youth Forum and we would welcome interest and engagement with this.

Youth Research

Youth Resources

Youth Transitional Housing Service

The {also} Foundation first ALSORTS Youth House was initiated in 2005 as a response to the recognition that the needs of homeless same sex attracted young people (SSAY) were not always well addressed by existing services and systems. In partnership with our support providers the Family Access Network (FAN) the house opened in October 2006: supported by significant community contribution and to much acclaim.

In the period October 2006 to April 2007 the house has accommodated 9 young people with exit outcomes comparable to other young people in like services. After 6 months of operation The {also} Board felt it was timely to initiate discussion with current service providers and other experts regarding the sustainability and effectiveness of the current
project. The outcomes of that discussion were that:

• There is no doubt young people have benefited from the opportunity provided by the project

• There is strong support for {also}'s role in advocating for improved recognition and response to the needs of SSAY youth;

• There is a willingness on the part of the housing sector to support SSAY through the project

• The current model, and particularly the property presented some limitations to achieving identified objectives.

On the basis of which the {also} Board in consultation with FAN decided to further develop the model in the context of broader housing policy relating to homelessness and youth and to:
Further integrate the project into the existing service system to ensure the availability of referral pathways allow for optimum support;

• Continue to ensure the provision SSAY access to GLBTIQ community engagement opportunities;

• Aim to secure support to assist with issues of financial sustainability; and cost effectiveness; particularly to pursue and secure public support for the project,
  

The outcome of which is that the project will operate from multiple sites, currently three houses are in operation,  and with a broader range of housing options for young people within the project.