Social Impact
Measuring the difference we make
Streetwork exists to ensure vulnerable young people have the same opportunities as their peers: to feel safe, build confidence, develop life skills and take positive steps towards a better future.
Young people supported by Streetwork may be navigating complex challenges, including:
alcohol or other drug use
mental health pressures
difficulties at school or in finding work
limited personal or social skills
unstable or unsafe housing
experiences of neglect, abuse or trauma
involvement with police, courts or youth justice
Streetwork’s Kickstart mentoring program provides one-on-one support through strong, trusting relationships with a dedicated youth caseworker. Each young person is supported to understand what is happening in their life, set their own goals, and build a plan that reflects what matters most to them.
The program combines mentoring, youth work and case management. It is grounded in regular face-to-face contact, strengths-based practice, youth-led goal setting, practical support and warm referrals to schools, health, housing and other community services.
Streetwork has partnered with Huber Social for nine years to measure the impact of Kickstart. The latest Social Impact Report, based on data collected from 2021 to early 2026, found that Kickstart continues to deliver measurable, positive outcomes for vulnerable young people.
Huber Social found:
Kickstart participants experienced a 10% improvement in overall wellbeing, with average wellbeing increasing from 4.11 at the start of the program to 4.52 at completion.
91% of young people who came to Streetwork with crime-related challenges did not reoffend during their time with Streetwork.
Young people reported an 11% increase in feeling connected to their community.
Young people reported an 8% reduction in feelings of anxiety.
Young people reported improvements in confidence, self-belief, determination, goal setting and employment readiness.
Streetwork helps young people make safer choices, rebuild relationships, re-engage with education or work, and develop the confidence and practical skills they need to move towards independence.
These changes strengthen not only the lives of young people, but also the wellbeing of families, schools and communities around them.
Independent analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers found:
Over 90% of Streetwork’s funds go directly to youth programs.
Streetwork’s mentoring achieves a 93% positive turnaround rate.
Every $1 invested returns $16 to the community through reduced demand on crisis, homelessness and justice services.