young people’s STREETWORK STories

Streetwork supports vulnerable young young people living in the Northern Sydney Region to turn their lives around. While each of the 12-18 year olds referred to our program has a story that is unique, they all share a background of personal pain and challenges that place their safety and lives at-risk.

Here’s their incredible stories of bravery and transformation.

To protect our young people’s privacy, we have used fictional names and photos.

Jayden's StreetWork Story

Jayden was referred to Streetwork by the Child & Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS). Struggling with crippling anxiety, he began having panic attacks, was self-harming, avoiding going to school and meeting new people.

Working with his Streetwork Youth Caseworker, Jayden set two goals - to reduce his anxiety levels and to build his self-confidence.

Across a three-month period, Jayden was supported to participate in a variety of social activities that centred around his interest in music and songwriting. He was also introduced to a youth psychologist who assisted Jayden to gain a better understanding of the triggers behind his bouts of anxiety.

At graduation from our program, Jayden spoke of his improved self-confidence and the relief he felt in being able to manage his anxiety and make new friends.

“I was afraid of everything - teachers, meeting new people, speaking with my parents, everything. My Streetwork Youth Caseworker (mentor) introduced me to people who I can trust to help me manage my anxiety and my negative self-talk.”

Isobella's StreetWork Story

Referred to Streetwork by a local mental health organisation, 17 year old Isobella was struggling at school with learning difficulties. She didn’t have a responsible adult to turn to for guidance, so when her low self-esteem and depression became too difficult for her to manage, she dropped out of high school without a career or education plan.

Isobella was matched with her Streetwork Youth Caseworker and began attending weekly mentoring sessions as part of our Kickstart Mentor Program.

Working to Kickstart’s goal-based framework, Isobella set two personal goals. Her first goal was to feel ‘happy more often’ and her second was to find a job that that suited her interests and skills.

Supported by her Streetwork, Youth Caseworker, Isobella was introduced to a psychologist who helped her to develop strategies to manage her depression. She was also supported to apply for TAFE and secure a hair dressing apprenticeship.

Tonga's StreetWork Story

The Police referred Tiani to Streetwork after she was suspected of shop lifting at a local supermarket.

During her weekly mentoring sessions Tiani admitted to her Youth Caseworker that she had no close friends and that because her family were experiencing financial pressure, she had no money for transport or to buy basic personal hygiene products.

The goals Tiani set for herself, under the Kickstart Mentoring Program, were to find a part time job and to enroll in a team sport.

Supported by her Streetwork Youth Caseworker, Tiani successfully applied for a weekend customer service role in a local coffee shop and she joined the school soccer team.

“I’m getting better at talking to people and making new friends. The money I earn on weekends helps me feel that I have some control of my life. I’m not sure how I would have ended up, without my Streetwork mentor”. Tiani aged 16

Shaun's Streetwork Story

At 17, Shaun was referred to Streetwork by the Department of Community Services, Family Support Service. Shaun had been suspended from school and was struggling with mental health issues and substance misuse.

During weekly mentoring sessions with his Streetwork Youth Caseworker, Shaun identified two life goals - he wanted to complete Year 11 and minimise his drug use.

After 6 months in Streetwork’s Kickstart Mentoring Program, with the support of his Youth Caseworker, Shaun achieved both of these goals.

He enrolled in TAFE, completed Year 11 and this year is continuing on to sit his HSC.

During his time at Streetwork, Shaun was connected with a youth, drug and alcohol counsellor, who helped him understand how to manage his mental health and break free of his substance addiction.

“I was so confused, dark and unhappy when I first started the StreetWork program. My mentor never gave up on me, he was always ready to take my phone calls and he helped me get into TAFE so that I could continue my studies. Reducing the drug use hasn’t been easy, but I’m managing better now. I have people to help me and I have hope”. Shaun aged 17

Jude’s Streetwork Story

Jude was referred to Streetwork by his mother.
He was exposed to ongoing domestic violence at home and was also being bullied at school.

He felt he had nowhere to turn and started sleeping rough and he cut off all communication with his parents and teachers.

During his early mentoring sessions with his Streetwork Youth Caseworker, Jude set two life goals - a return to school and an improved relationship with his mum and dad.

With his Youth Caseworker’s support, Jude was transferred to a new school and continued his education. Streetwork connected Jude with Headspace, a mental health service that helps young people to manage their work, studies and home life. Headspace was able to help Jude understand how to better cope with his family situation.

“Streetwork was the best thing that has happened to me. I have made a couple of new friends at my new high school and I’m doing well in a few of my elective subjects - particularly Art and Science. I’m not happy at home but it’s not as bad as it was and after I get old enough, I’m going to do an apprenticeship and find a place of my own to live” Jude aged 14

Supported by our youth worker, Jude has also started a part time job, which has given him some independence.  

Juliette’s Streetwork Story

At 14, Juliette referred herself to Streetwork after attending a Streetwork program at her high school.

She had been in trouble with the Police and was required to attend court proceedings. She had dropped out of school and because she was finding it difficult to manager her temper she was loosing friends, and the ability to communicate with her parents.

During weekly meetings with her Streetwork Youth Caseworker, Juliet began to realise that the decisions she had been making were placing her safety at risk and cutting her off from her support networks.

She was supported to set goals and to make life changes. Together with her Streetwork uth Caseworker (mentor), she fulfilled her court obligations.

Juliette was then connected with a specialist organisation who taught her anger management tools. Feeling more confident and settled, she returned to school and resumed her studies. She reached out to her family and started healing her relationships with friends.

“I was angry all the time. Everything - even small things like sitting in a class room - made me feel stifled and unhappy. The court stuff was really difficult. Even though I knew that I had to do it, I just ignored the deadlines - pretended they weren’t there. I didn’t know how to fill in the forms by myself and I didn’t want to ask anyone for help. My Streetwork Youth Caseworker has made a world of difference to me. I feel calmer now”. Juliette aged 14

Campbell's Streetwork Story

After committing a number of offences, Campbell was referred to Streetwork by local Police.

He attended weekly mentoring sessions as part of Streetwork’s Kickstart Mentoring Program.

Working with one of our Youth Caseworkers, Campbell identified the personal goals that he wanted to work on, to turn his life around.

He wanted to stay out of trouble and fulfil all of his bail conditions. With his Streetwork Youth Caseworker’s support he quickly achieved those goals.

His family were struggling financially. Campbell often had to go without meals. He was often hungry and because he was a growing teenager, he also needed but couldn’t afford to buy, new, larger-sized clothes and correct sized shoes. Campbell desperately wanted to look for a job and earn an income. He told his Streetwork Youth Caseworker that he lacked the self-confidence to achieve this important goal.

Over a 6 month period, supported by Streetwork, Campbell attended a Transition to Work Program provided by a local Youth Employment Service. His Streetwork Youth Caseworkers then helped him to find and apply for an apprenticeship and he is now working as a trainee mechanic at a local car dealership.

“I’m so happy that all that trouble with the police is finally over. I was always scared, hungry and ashamed of my uncomfortable clothes. I felt that there was nothing I could do to help change the situation. Working with my Streetwork Youth Caseworkers, helped me to understand how to find and apply for jobs. I know how to set life goals now and work to a plan”. Campbell aged 17

Tai's Streetwork Story

Referred by the Department of Community Services, Family Support Service, Tai was a socially isolated 11 year old. He was being bullied at school, singled out because he was lacked energy, was unfit and had no interest in exercise or team sport.

Tai often spent large amounts of time alone, he found it difficult to make friends and both his parents worked in a small catering business that demanded long hours, including night shifts and weekends.

Regular mentoring with his Streetwork Youth Caseworker gave Tai the support he needed to live a healthier and happier life.

Over the last four months, Streetwork has connected Tai and his family with a specialist team of adults including a PE teacher, an after-school carer and a family psychologist.

Tai is learning how to communicate with people his own age and has started a new hobby - song writing. He has now built a regular exercise regime into his week and has attended a number of workshops to try-out different sports.

Leti's Streetwork Story

Leti’s mother was struggling with a substance use and addition and had left Leti in the full-time care of her elderly grandparents.

Her grandparents wanted their home to be ‘quiet and peaceful’ and wouldn’t allow Leti to have her friends over.

Lonely and missing her mother, 11 year old Lettie began suffering from depression and anxiety. She started to stay up until the early hours of the morning talking with her friends on social media. The resulting lack of sleep meant that Leti was regularly late for school and her teachers noticed that she was falling asleep in class.

The school referred Leti to Streetwork.

Talking with her Streetwork Youth Caseworkers (mentor), Leti shared her goals. She wanted to improve her sleep hygiene and meet her friends, in person, rather than on social media. She decided that to feel ‘happier’ she needed to have contact with her mother.

During the three months Leti spent in Streetwork’s Kickstart Mentoring Program she was supported by her Youth Caseworker to find friend’s she could visit after school.

Her teachers were updated about her living arrangements and they offered her understanding, praise and encouragement especially when it came to her school work.

At graduation, Leti was following a healthy, night-time routine and she was regularly talking with her mother on the phone.

Ari’s Streetwork Story

Ara was 8 when his mother was sentenced to 50 years in prison for attempting to smuggle drugs out of Asia. 

He and his brother were left in the care of their father who had a history of domestic violence and found it difficult to cope with the demands of single parenting.

At 16 Ara began rebelling against his father’s instructions and their relationship became violent. After being expelled from school, Ara and his father had an argument that ended in the police being called.

Ara’s father took out an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) again Ara, that left Ara homeless.

The police referred Ara to Streetwork and his Youth Caseworkers (mentor) immediately helped him to find a place to live and supported him to navigate the requirements of the police and legal system. 

While on the Kickstart Mentoring Program, Ara attended a counselling course that assisted him to break the cycle of destructive and aggressive behaviour and to take control of his life.

Ara graduated from Kickstart and went on to complete a TAFE certificate and now enjoys a career in plumbing.

“When you’re on the street, kids just 12 or 13 are using drugs. You’re surrounded by the same kind of people. Streetwork helped me to make goals and to achieve them and make real changes in my life.”

Cam's Streetwork Story

At 18, Cam was referred to Streetwork by staff from the local Hospital. Coming from a dysfunctional home and with an alcoholic mother, Cam was struggling at school and wanted to move out of home. During weekly mentoring sessions, our Youth Caseworker (mentor) supported Cam and helped him to re-engage with school. His Youth Caseworkers also helped Cam apply for the Youth Allowance which allowed Cam to live independently. Cam has now completed his HSC and is aiming to get a job.

Rose's Streetwork Story

At 14, Rose* was having family issues and suffering from anxiety. She was also having friendship issues. Over a number of months, Rose had weekly mentoring sessions with our youth worker. She learnt skills and techniques to manage her anxiety and received support with friendship issues. Rose is now much happier at school  and her relationship with her family has improved.

*Not her real name

Paul's Streetwork Story

Referred by the Department of Community Services at 17, Paul* was suffering mental health issues, he was also disengaged from school and going through a family breakdown. Meeting weekly with our Youth Caseworker, Paul developed a number of goals. He wanted to complete year 10, he also wanted help managing his anxiety and developing social skills. Paul has come a long way in the last few months. He is back at school and is aiming to complete his HSC. He is learning strategies to help with his mental health issues and his relationship with his family has also improved.

*Not his real name

Yasir's Streetwork Story

Yasir* had a history of drug use and anti social behaviour. The Police referred him to Streetwork. Yasir developed some personal goals with his Youth caseworker (mentor). He wanted to pay off his fines and get a regular job. He also wanted support with mental health issues and he wanted to return to school. Streetwork negotiated his return to school. We also put Yasir in touch with a mental health organisation which has been really successful. He is now working part time. He is also developing as an artist and is hoping to do further  study in the area.

*Not his real name

India's Streetwork Story

Since she was a teenager, India* has had a very unstable home life. She was referred to Streetwork by her school. India needed a Youth Caseworkers (mentor) for ongoing support. She wanted help with overcoming her anxiety and building some self-confidence. India also wanted to return to school. She has now completed a nursing course. She has also, with the support of her Youth caseworker, joined a number of youth groups and found some great mentors. She has gained in self confidence and her self esteem is growing.

*Not her real name

Ben's Streetwork Story

Charged by the Police for drug possession, Ben was referred to Streetwork by the local Police Youth Officer.

He met weekly with his Youth Caseworker (mentor) and identified a number of personal goals. Ben wanted to pay off his fine. The Youth Caseworkers supported and encouraged Ben throughout the HSC, he is now attending university. HisYouth Caseworkers introduced Ben to specialist youth drug and alcohol counselling services which he attended regularly to control his drug use.

Jamal and Rashid's Streetwork Story

Brothers, Jamal* and Rashid*, were referred to Streetwork by the Department of Community Services. Both boys had totally disengaged from school. The school were concerned the boys were being marginalised. With the support of one of our youth workers, both boys were supported to achieve their own goals. Rashid wanted to get a part time job to help support his mother. Jamal wanted to re-engage with school.

*Not their real names

Sam's Streetworks Story

Sam* was suspended from school for misbehaviour and drug use. The school referred Sam to Streetwork. Sam had weekly meetings with a Youth Caseworker (mentor) who supported him and negotiated with the school for Sam to continue with his studies. Sam has worked really hard to turn her life around and she has now graduated from school. Sam is now working with the Youth Caseworker and a drug and alcohol centre to minimise her drug use and get fit and healthy.

*Not his real name

Leila's Streetwork Story

Leila* was referred to Streetwork by a local Youth Mental Health Services (KYDS). She was struggling with mental health issues and she was feeling very lonely. Leila wanted some support so that she could get a job and try and reduce the amount of time she spent on the computer. During weekly meetings with a Youth Caseworker (mentor), Leila has been able to put a CV together and found a part time job. This has given her more confidence with interacting with people. 

*Not her real name

Brian's Streetwork Story

Brian* was referred to Streetwork by the Child & Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS). After a history of bullying and changing schools, and with no real father figure, Brian had started to carry a small knife to school for protection. He was trying to complete year 12 at TAFE. Since starting the Kickstart Mentoring Program, Brian has successfully completed year 12 and after various different work experience opportunities he started an Electrical Apprenticeship. Brian has now graduated from the Kickstart program.

*Not his real name.

David's Streetwork Story

David* had a history of violent crime and substance abuse. At 16 he referred himself to Streetwork while at one of our outreach BBQ. David asked for support with some legal matters and his Juvenile Justice order. He also wanted to learn strategies to help him overcome the constant feeling of anxiety. Streetwork encouraged David to take part in the Pride Empowerment Program and an Anger Management course. David gave 100% in both of these and was the most improved on both courses. Currently one of our Youth Caseworkers (mentor) is helping David to look at apprenticeship opportunities as he wants to leave school and work full time.

*Not his real name

Bec's Streetwork Story

In year 10, Bec* heard Streetwork talk at her school. She spoke to the youth workers and asked for help. Due to anger management issues, Bec had been in trouble with the Youth Justice System. She wanted help with completing her responsibilities to the court and she wanted to learn anger management techniques. Participating in the Kickstart Mentoring Program, Bec met weekly with a Youth Caseworker (mentor). With their support, over a number of months, Bec completed all the requirements of the court. She got herself a job. Bec also passed her driving test. All these positive steps have helped Bec to build her self-esteem and confidence.

* Not her real name

Amir's Streetwork Story

As a 17 year old, Amir* got in to trouble with the police and was charged with possession of drugs. He was referred to Streetwork by the police. As part of the Kickstart Mentoring Program, Amir had weekly mentoring sessions with one of our Youth Caseworker (mentor). He was keen to pay off his fine and to stay out of trouble. He also wanted to stay at school and get good marks for the HSC. With the support of his youth worker, Amir was able to complete his HSC and gain a place at university. He now has a more positive outlook on life.

                                                                                                     *Not his real name

Jon's Streetwork Story

Jon* has had a troubled childhood witnessing both domestic violence and abuse on an ongoing basis within the family. Having moved out of home he was referred to Streetwork by the Department of Community Services. His goals were to learn to be independent and to find a part time job, something he could do when he wasn't at school. After continued persistence, Jon was offered two jobs and to celebrate and help prepare himself for his first day at work, Jon is treated to a professional haircut and shave at the Flying Tiger barbershop.  Jon was almost unrecognisable after his haircut and shave. 

* Not his real name

Sarah's Streetwork Story

At 17, Sarah* was not happy with the direction her life was going in. After listening to a Streetwork talk at her school, Sarah contacted us and asked for some assistance to turn her life around. Sarah had been in trouble with the Police and was also struggling with alcohol and drug use, and controlling her anger. With support from her Youth Caseworker (mentor), Sarah fulfilled all of her legal obligations and she learnt many useful anger management techniques and is using them to good effect. Sarah has got herself a job and is gaining confidence in her ability to make good decisions and build on her strengths.

* Not her real name

Matt's Streetwork Story

Ben’s Streetwork Story

GRADUATION REWARD FOR 2 YOUNG PEOPLE

As a graduation reward for two young people (YP) on the Kickstart Mentoring Program, our Youth Caseworkers (mentor) took them to the Blacktown drive-in for the premier of the All Eyez On Me - 2Pac movie, as both were very keen hip-hop fans. 

One of the YP had been referred to Streetwork at 17 by his Juvenile Justice Worker as he had a number of assault charges against him. He and his Youth Caseworker would travel to the Children's Court for hearings around the charges and the mentor would assist the YP with the Youth Justice Conference outcomes which included the delivering of an apology letter to the victims of the assaults. The YP also needed to continue anger management classes with his psychologist and pay back money towards the medical expenses of his victims. The YP delivered on each of these requirements and concluded his court hearings. His good behaviour period has now ceased meaning he was no longer requires direct support and has now progress to the Streetwork Aftercare program.

The second YP was referred to Streetwork by his school due to extreme issues of anxiety. The YP's primary goal was to finish Year 12 and achieve his HSC.  During the course of his two year engagement with Streetwork , the YP he had many ups and downs and relapses in his truancy and he attended four different schools before settling at the Beach School.  Last year he concluded his goal and is now using his Aftercare meetings to review opportunities to study at Macquarie University.

At the film premier there was live music by Grammy Award winnings Hip-Hop artists, fancy cars (that bounce like the music videos) food and the movie's sound delivered through the StreetWork Tarago stereo. The young people remarked on having an incredible night like which they've never experienced and their mentor remarked on how far they'd both come - to be challenged by anger management problems and anxiety to being so comfortable and focused at a big social gathering.

Joel's streetwork Story

Randle's Streetwork Story

Mandy's Streetwork Story

Alex's Streetwork Story

An early school leaver at 16, Alex found herself hanging around Chatswood with a bad crowd and no job prospects. She came to Streetwork's attention through our week Outreach BBQ Program.

We quickly determined that Alex was at considerable risk due to difficult parental relationships and risk-taking behaviour.

Through the Kickstart Mentoring Program, we provided Alex with regular care, support and encouragement.

Five years later, Alex has turned her life around.

Today Alex has multiple qualifications in business, including managerial and administration certifications.

Alex is now happily married and works as an Executive Assistant for an accountancy firm. 

Ara's Streetwork Story

Ara and his brother were left in the care of their father, a tough Armenian who had escaped conflict in the Middle East and fled to Australia.

His unsettled home life and a difficult relationship with his dad caused him to struggle and eventually be expelled from school. Soon after, his father took out an AVO against Ara, leaving him homeless. 

Ara met Streetwork and we helped him find a place to live and to navigate the police and legal systems. 

While on the Kickstart Mentoring program, Ara attended a course to break the cycle of destructive and aggressive behaviour and take control of his life.

Ara gradated from the Kickstart Mentoring Program and went on to complete a TAFE certificate and now enjoys a career in plumbing.

“When you’re on the street, kids just 12 or 13 are using drugs. You’re surrounded by the same kind of people. StreetWork helped me to make goals and to achieve them, and make real changes in my life.”

Paddy's Streetwork Story