Lillian Ford met her YFS Youth Development coaches after being referred to Youthlink in August 2023 by the Child and Youth Mental Health Service. She wasn’t sure YFS could help, but her psychologist was adamant YFS would be a great service to help her find housing and develop her practical living skills.
“In the beginning I was so stressed I didn’t even want to look at housing options, even though my current situation was — difficult. I couldn’t think about it. But over time working with YFS I became comfortable with the idea of independently looking for housing, even how to quickly refer myself to emergency accommodation in a worst-case scenario.”
Eighteen months after meeting her YFS coaches, Lillian is about to move into a new house with other housemates. Her rental application was successful and she is feeling positive about the future.
“The other day I decided to visit my mum, who lives a long way from where I currently live. I independently took a bus and train there, spontaneously. When I first started working with YFS the thought of public transport induced my anxiety too much. I couldn’t do it and relied on services to pick me up. Or I didn’t go places.”
“But my coaches helped me practise different public transport routes. They even created a booklet for me to refer back to. And recently someone at the bus stop approached me and asked for directions. I was able to look up where they needed to go on my phone, get the bus number and even tell him the right side of the road to be on. Afterwards I thought wow, six months ago I wasn’t even able to direct myself on public transport.”
Lillian describes how being able to trust that her coaches genuinely cared for her helped her to navigate some extraordinarily difficult challenges.
“One time, I’d had a really negative experience in hospital. I remember just leaving and going to the park and screaming, crying my eyes out. I called my coach and they spoke to me on the phone for a long time, reassuring me and validating my feelings.”
“It really emphasises, I think, how YFS cares. It was a massive thing for me, that phone call.”
As well as learning new skills with her coaches like cooking and cleaning, and receiving assistance with her disability support pension application, Lillian has also received support from YFS Legal.
“I was freaking out about my court hearings because I think for anyone going to court it is very, very stressful. But [YFS Legal] spent a lot of time preparing my documents for court and supporting me there on the day. I didn’t feel so scared knowing they were a big advocate for me and willing to defend me. The legal team were amazing.”
Lillian is now transitioning from Youthlink to supports provided by another organisation but she encourages other people to consider reaching out to YFS.
“No matter how big or small the problem, from my experience, YFS are always willing to help and do the best they can.”
