Sherry and Mitch support the young people who call Thyne House home in Launceston. Both are passionate about assisting young people to build the knowledge, skills, and networks they can use to create a bright future for themselves.

Youth Development Coach, Mitch, believes that having somewhere like Thyne House shows that as a society we are invested in young people.

“Unfortunately, a lot of the young people I work with have experienced significant trauma in their childhood; seeing them overcome that is what keeps me motivated,” Mitch said.

Reflecting on some of the highlights Sherry and Mitch have seen young people achieve, they talk about how important it is for a student to get their driver’s licence, complete year 12, and secure employment.

For Mitch, participating in the Point to Pinnacle on kunanyi/Mount Wellington with one of the Thyne House residents is the standout.

“The student finished the race and then came back to cross the finish line with me,” Mitch said.

“Seeing a young person achieve their goals and become an independent young adult is special.”

Y2I Coordinator Sherry says that the Y2I is a unique space and terrific opportunity to support change in young people.

“Working with young people on a daily basis provides so many opportunities and that is extremely rewarding’, she said.

“Without this wrap-around support, many young Tasmanians would remain homeless or at risk of homelessness and would miss the opportunities to re-connect with education, employment, or training.

“Each small step a young person makes is a reason to celebrate. I feel incredibly lucky to work here and I look forward to work every day.”

To be eligible for Y2I, a young person is aged 16-24 years, experiencing or at risk of homelessness ant willing to participate in education and training. To be eligible they also agree to ‘The Deal’ which is an agreement where they set life goals including the completion of a Certificate 1 in Development Independence (DI).

The DI supports young people develop skills in six areas including: education, health and wellbeing, social connections, civic participation, and housing and living.

Thyne House is one of three Y2I facilities statewide operated by Anglicare Tasmania

The capacity of Thyne House has recently been expanded with an additional 20 independent living units so the facility can now accommodation 50 young people.

Other Y2I facilities are located in Hobart and Devonport. An additional facility will open in Hobart by the end of this year and a new site in Burnie is due to open in 2024.