Youth at Risk

Youth at risk quicklinks…

What We Do

We focus on young, vulnerable Australians who have had a life of disadvantage, neglect and a lack of emotional connection.

Anchor MyLife Project

The Anchor MyLife project provides stable individualised accommodation, while working with young people to build their resilience, independence and motivation to define their own futures.

Lilydale Youth Foyer

The Lilydale Youth Foyer provides accommodation and holistic support for young people who are motivated to take control of their own lives.

What We Do

We focus on young, vulnerable Australians who have had a life of disadvantage, neglect and a lack of emotional connection.

Anchor’s Approach

Our approach to supporting young people is based on an Advantaged Thinking model. We focus on identifying, developing and investing in young people’s talents and aspirations, enabling them to thrive and build sustainable lives. Anchor’s Youth Development service integrates housing, education, employment and counselling to support young people.

The programs we offer include:

  • 1

    The Anchor MyLife Project – providing opportunity, empowerment and autonomy to young people experiencing disadvantage

  • 2
    The Anchor Youth Foyer program to support young people in education and employment while providing short term stable housing
  • 3
    Private Rental Program that supports young people to find and maintain sustainable housing
  • 4

    Family Reconciliation services to support young people who are experiencing challenging relationships.

Family Reconciliation

Our Family Reconciliation Program provides family inclusive counselling for young people between the ages of 15-25 years, to work through resolving present and past conflict. Our Family Therapist works alongside young people and their families to rebuild relationships through regular therapy sessions. Our family therapist also provides single session therapy and secondary consolations.

Private Rental Brokerage

The Creating Connections Private Rental Brokerage (PRB) Program aims to support young people who are ready to live independently in in a share-house or private tenancy. The Private Rental Brokerage Program is managed by Family Access Network (FAN) in the inner east and Anchor Inc in the outer east.

The program can provide:

  • 1
    Information and support to look for and apply for private rental tenancies (including subletting share-house options)
  • 2
    Funding for rent, Rent in Advance, whitegoods, or essential household goods to establish a tenancy
  • 3
    Information regarding tenancy rights and responsibilities.

To be eligible for the PRB program you must meet the following criteria:

  • 1
    Young person aged 16 to 25 years of age in the outer Eastern Metropolitan region (Maroondah, Yarra Ranges or Knox)
  • 2
    Linked in with a key support worker with proven engagement and meeting case plan goals
  • 3
    Are at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness.

For further enquiries please contact Anchor’s Opening Doors team at 03 9760 6400 or email openingdoors@anchor.org.au

Lilydale Youth Foyer

The Lilydale Youth Foyer provides accommodation and holistic support for young people who are motivated to take control of their own lives.

Accommodation and
support for young people

The Lilydale Youth Foyer provides accommodation and support for young people who are motivated to engage in education but don’t have stable housing.

Anchor provides:

  • 1
    A safe, secure and affordable place to live and study
  • 2
    Skills, knowledge and resources to achieve personal goals
  • 3
    Activities designed to build confidence, a sense of community and living skills
  • 4
    Access to relevant service providers, local community groups, education and employment opportunities
  • 5
    Information and resources to help young people find accommodation after they leave Foyer

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements are applicable from intake and continue throughout each student’s stay at Foyer. To be eligible for the Foyer, young people must be:

  • 1
    Aged 16 to 21 and with no stable housing to support their education
  • 2
    Linked to Lilydale or surrounding areas
  • 3
    Receiving a stable income
  • 4
    Willing to stay engaged in education, employment, and training
  • 5
    Motivated to get involved in community, volunteering and employment
  • 6
    Able to manage mental health or AOD challenges

Motivated to participate in the Foyer Life and Living Skills program and its community

More Information

Lilydale Youth Foyer provides a program with accommodation for 2 years, when a vacancy is coming up referrals to the program will be opened up. This will be advertised via the SHIP – Vacancy Management System and via direct email to local services in the Outer East.

Please note we do not hold a waitlist.

If you require further information please email us at  ydsreferrals@anchor.org.au

CASE STUDY

AJs Story

When ‘JP’ was 17 he left his home and went into refuge due to a relationship breakdown with his family. He moved into a Foyer property and started the program with the other students, attending workshops, program activities and developing the life skills he needed to live independently.

During his stay JP finished year 11 and started an apprenticeship. He was supported to get his learners permit and was referred to the L2P program, he accessed counselling and competed his Certificate I in Developing Independence. When his time in the program ended he worked with the Private Rental Program worker who supported him to find share housing and provided him with financial assistance to establish the tenancy.

“‘I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Anchor.’