NEWS
If you think you’re going through hard times at the moment, spare a thought for our city’s homeless or troubled youth. Their plight is on the increase, if referrals to the Fortitude Valley-based Brisbane Youth Service are any indication.
“The number of people seeking access to our services has increased by 15 per cent over the last year,” says BYS fundraising and marketing manager Richard Langford. “It’s placing extra pressure on the resources of BYS so anything people can do to alleviate young people’s plights is greatly appreciated.” A
nd right now, there are two ways to help BYS in its work – one that gives immediate relief and one more long term but just as worthy. Each year, BYS as part of Anti-Poverty Week runs its Do the Can-Can project and there’s still time to donate much-needed foodstuffs and other household items before the handout to youth in need on Monday, 24 October.
p to that Monday the service will accept non-perishable tinned or packaged items, as well as baby goods and toiletries to the centre at 78 Berwick Street, Valley. And donations toward the service’s ongoing work can be made by ringing 3252 3750 or going online to www.brisyouth.org and follow the fundraising link.
Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) is a community-based organisation that works with homeless or at-risk young people aged 12-25 years. Now in its 34rd year, BYS has provided long-term assistance to help young people understand their situation and make more positive choices. Its comprehensive services range across several levels of immediacy and intensity from basic needs such as food and showers through to intensive personal support.
The BYS consists of volunteers, specialised youth workers, doctors, nurses and mental health workers among others who assist homeless and at-risk youth in any way, shape or form.
ABOVE: Carrying the can for compassion ... Brisbane Youth Service social media coodinator Angela Wijangco and fundraising and marketing manager Richard Langford.
