Program: Young People

Young People Our Young People program breaks down barriers to help those under 24 years of age access essential services. Program Description As Orange Sky has grown, we have learnt that there are groups of people in need who cannot access our regular services due to barriers and stigmas. One key group is people under the age of 24. Young people have unique needs, with many attending school, studying tertiary education or working. They often don’t have the time or means to travel, and may not have a guardian with the ability to support their needs. Seeking support can be stigmatised among peer groups, which drives feelings of isolation and increases barriers to accessing essential services. We have explored two distinct programs to break down barriers and stigmas for young people. The first being the School Laundry Program , and the second is the Education of students through resources, school presentations and fundraising activities. In collaboration with schools, we have connected students with access to laundry facilities through a School Laundry Program, installing machines within the school, building life skills and helping to reduce the stigma of seeking help through education. The Need Young people are disproportionately affected by homelessness and hardship, with almost 40% of people experiencing homelessness in Australia being people under the age of 24. Up to 1 in 6 children experience poverty, while 1 in 8 people are living in poverty . Through our regular services, we have met teachers who bring their students to shift to wash their belongings and uniforms, as well as families with children living in vehicles or tents looking for support. We have engaged with school teachers and administrators who describe a growing need in their communities, wanting to connect students with services and education around homelessness and hardship. We’ve heard stories of students experiencing homelessness or poverty, who don’t have clean uniforms for school. Expected outcomes Provide tailored support Our goal is to provide tailored support to young people that is receptive to their needs. Through our School Laundry Program, we provide an angle of education and learning to students, teachers and staff, as a means to educate in life skills. We want to ensure all young people experiencing homelessness and poverty have access to health hardware. Reduced stigma and enhanced support seeking behaviour The integration of laundry facilities within schools helps normalise the use of support services and reduces the stigma associated with seeking help. Through educational initiatives, students learn through a supportive environment, where they feel comfortable about accessing necessary services without fear of judgement. Increased physical and mental health support Studies have shown that poor hygiene can negatively impact the well-being of young people, leading to isolation from peers, bullying, reduced attendance, and lower educational attainment. International laundry programs in schools have demonstrated an increase in student attendance, motivation, and participation in extracurricular activities, boosting students’ confidence and self-esteem. Strengthened school-community connections By implementing support services within schools, this creates stronger ties between Orange Sky and the broader community by addressing the unique needs of young people experiencing homelessness and hardship. What you're supporting Remote Communities Free Laundry and Showers Natural Disaster Response Transitional Accommodation Innovation in Trial Young People School Laundry Program