Ceremonies were held this week at Eveline House in Devonport and Thyne House in Launceston for the latest round of students who have earned their Certificate I in Developing Independence.

Eight students at Eveline House graduated, bringing the total number of students to have completed the course to 98 since its implementation in 2018.

The certification is carried out in collaboration with the Y2I supported accommodation facilities and TasTAFE.

Tasmania’s Y2I facilities are managed by Anglicare, and staff work to help young people gain their Developing Independence qualification.

The certificate recognises the unique skills and talents of each young person and supports their participation in six key areas to achieve independence.

The six key areas are:

1. education
2. employment
3. health and wellbeing
4. housing and living skills
5. community participation
6. social connections.

The Y2I program provides accommodation and support for young people to become independent by participating in education and training opportunities.

The Y2I program is aimed at young people aged between 16 and 24 who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness and are willing to participate in education and training.

This could be:

• high school or college
• training with or without a certificate
• an apprenticeship, traineeship or employment.

As part of their acceptance into a Y2I facility, the young people agree to participate in ‘The Deal’.

‘The Deal’ is an agreement between the young person and the Y2I provider and includes the completion of the Developing Independence qualification.

In return, the young person enjoys safe, secure, supported and affordable accommodation for up to two years.

There are three Y2I facilities in Tasmania:

• Thyne House in Launceston (50 units)
• Eveline House in Devonport (25 units)
• Trinity Hill in Hobart (46 units).

Construction is underway on a new 25-bed Y2I facility in Burnie, while a second, 26-bed Y2I facility in Hobart is nearing completion.

Homes Tasmania has also committed more than $5 million to expand the Y2I program for young people who will benefit from living in a small, home-like environment. Y2I Homes will help improve the lives of around 50 young people who are at risk of homelessness, including those exiting shelters or leaving out-of-home care, every two years.

For more information on the Youth2Independence program, visit Homes Tasmania - Y2I program.

To read more about the students who graduated from Eveline House visit Students’ achievements celebrated at Eveline House - Anglicare (anglicare-tas.org.au)