.Homelessness is a sad reality for thousands of young people in Southern Queensland who find themselves living on the streets. Especially for Cherice, who knows first hand about sleeping rough.
At just 16 years old, Cherice was kicked out of home. After moving to move in with her other parent, they were soon incarcerated. Despite juggling two jobs and school, she simply couldn’t afford the rent and faced the dire reality of sleeping rough.
Sleeping rough to support from Anglicare
Cherice went to Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Nathanael House in Mount Gravatt for emergency accommodation where she described the experience as daunting.
Overcoming obstacles: Cherice at Mount Gravatt’s Nathanael House.
“We sat down together to eat meals, something I’d not done before,” she said.
Cherice was able to continue working her two jobs, and focus on finishing her schooling, all while battling mental health challenges. Sadly, this is very common for young people accessing Anglicare services.
“At times, I didn’t know whether I’d get through it. But I’m a pretty task focused person, so with some help from the team at Anglicare, and my school reconnect worker, I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.”
Cherice soon moved to Bart’s Place, Anglicare’s transitional accommodation at Carina Heights where she finished school and began studying community service work. Not long after this transition, she suddenly required hospitalization for mental health support.
An eye on the future
It was during this time that she was inspired to work in mental health and help people through their own mental health journey. Cherice returned to Bart’s Place to take up the role of lead tenant, helping other tenants and communicating with staff to ensure the house ran well.
After nine years of volunteering with Anglicare Southern Queensland, Cherice and her dog Sophie left Barts Place to live independently.
Qualifying as an enrolled nurse, Cherice went on to work at a mental health hospital. She is now a qualified registered nurse and is working as a surgical nurse at a major Southeast Queensland hospital.
Rees Maddren, the Service Manager of InSync Youth Service, said he is incredibly proud of what Cherice has accomplished.
Anglicare Southern Queensland’s InSync Service Manager Rees Maddren with Cherice at Mount Gravatt’s Nathanael House.
“Shift work as a nurse in the current environment is no easy task. But then, Cherice has proved that she thrives in a challenge,” Mr Maddren said.
“We are so proud of what she has achieved and we’re very grateful to have been part of her journey.
Anglicare’s youth homelessness support services
“More than 40% of Queensland’s homeless are under the age of 25. We provide early intervention, crisis accommodation, and housing support to combat youth homelessness. We help people build a happier and healthier lives off the streets.”
“Many young people can experience tumultuous and uncertain upbringings as well as mental illness, family breakdown, social inequality, and youth unemployment which can all sadly lead to homelessness.”
“We believe that with the right support network, every young person can get on the right path to reach their full potential. Early intervention, and support services like Anglicare Southern Queensland are critical,” he said.
Find out more about Anglicare Southern Queensland’s youth homelessness programs here https://anglicaresq.org.au/community-support/homelessness/youth-homelessness/