Sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, pots, and pans are among the items being used to help young people become more independent, thanks to two Samaritans services.
Together with coat hangers, plates, bowls, mugs, dish cloths and food storage containers, they form the basis of ‘Moving Packs’ – a collection of household items available to youth in Samaritans programs who are transitioning to a new home.
The packs are the brainchild of Samaritans Youth Initiative Team Leader Nick Charters.
Samaritans Youth Initiative assists young people by offering education and employment mentoring, transition support to build living skills, and support to find long-term accommodation.
The program assists young care leavers to develop strong personal networks and skills to navigate multiple adult support service systems and increase their capacity to manage crises and change as they transition to independence.
Having watched young people struggling for independent living over a number of years in his role, Nick reached out to Samaritans Retail Manager Rachel Bambach with an idea.
“We have young people in our program moving into their own property for the first time,” Nick says.
“They have limited funds and require support for necessary household items.
“There’s always a cost, whether it’s bond, or rent, or buying furniture, and I thought if we could help ease some of that burden then why wouldn’t we?”
Rachel was happy to assist.
“I thought it was a great idea,” she said.
“The volunteers love the idea of putting together packs for young people who are making a fresh start.
“And it’s great to be helping another Samaritans team.”
When he sees a need, Nick sends a request to Rachel who, together with the op-shop volunteers, sources the necessary donated items.
The cost of the moving packs, which is paid by the young person, is minimal.
They have since become a tool used to share another valuable life lesson.
“Many of our young people are surprised by how much they need when they first move out, and how expensive things are,” Nick says.
“This has become a way of teaching them that they don’t need brand spanking new items when they first move out. They can source affordable, accessible items if they’re clever.”
The Youth Initiative provides services to young people leaving statutory out-of-home care (OOHC).
In the Hunter and Central Coast region, Youth Initiative is run by Samaritans in partnership with Path2Change, My Foundations Youth Housing and Youth Connections.