Young people in Moree are encouraged to get support and find out more about youth homelessness as part of Youth Homelessness Matters Day on Wednesday, April 18.
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To raise awareness for the day, Moree Family Support, in conjunction with Moree Plains Shire Council, Moree Area Homelessness Service, Byamee, Miyay Birray, Beyond Empathy, Homes North and Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, have organised an event to be held at Moree Secondary College Multipurpose Centre from 10am to 2pm this Wednesday.
With 42 per cent of Australia's homeless population under 25, youth homelessness is a big issue and one that is often hidden – only three per cent of young Australians are sleeping rough on the street.
Moree Family Support’s youth homelessness support worker Crystal Trotter said the day is all about raising awareness and breaking down stereotypes.
“A common misconception is that young people leave home because they want to or so they can run away from home to have freedom and have no rules. But we all know that's not the case,” she said.
“I average from 15 to 27 clients at a time, each at risk of being homeless, or are homeless.
“Their homelessness, or risk of, stems from a range of things such as domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, family relationship breakdowns.”
One of Ms Trotter’s former clients, Wyatt Roberts, has overcome homelessness and will share his story via a video which will be shown on the day.
Special guest will be former Parramatta Eels player Nathan Hindmarsh who will be there to meet and greet those in attendance.
There will also be representatives from local services providing information on how they can support young people who may find themselves in a homeless situation. All young people aged between 12 and 25 are encouraged to attend.
Frozen slushies, nachos and hotdogs will be provided for lunch.
If you require transport, call Miyay Birray on 6752 6038 or Moree Family Support on 6752 4536.