Assisting The Young People Of Mackay For Nearly Four Decades

Kalyan Youth Service has been providing services to the youth of the region for 38 years, celebrating their birthday at the end of July 2023.

Established in 1985, Kalyan Youth Service offers crisis accommodation, transitional housing, case management and support to those aged 16 to 25 and is the only youth shelter between Rockhampton and Townsville.

The not-for-profit organisation has crisis accommodation for six young people as well as medium-term accommodation units, providing young people with a home environment teaching life skills, cooking, cleaning and work seeking skills.

“The first criteria we look at when making an assessment for young people is their level of homelessness,” said Housing Services Manager Louise O'Brien.

“They could be literally homeless and have no accommodation or they’re at risk of homelessness, they may be residing in an unsafe environment or couch surfing.”

The friendly team of youth workers works with young people on a case management plan, assisting with securing employment, sourcing benefits and addressing their mental health needs to work through any barriers.

“Our role is to work with them to assist with whatever their needs are,” said Ms O’Brien.

“We do try to reunify young people with their families if at all possible.”

In the 2022-23 financial year, Kalyan Youth Service assisted 64 clients, however, were unable to assist 229 young people for a variety of reasons, highlighting the importance of their work in our community.

Monetary donations can be made to the organisation at www.givenow.com.au/youthhomelessness and non-perishable food items are accepted at 4 Goldsmith Street, East Mackay.

If there is any other assistance you think you may be able to provide, contact Ms O'Brien on 07 4951 4352.

‍