2025 impact report
our why
The reality young Tasmanians face today is urgent and it’s not one single problem, but a system of barriers that too many are expected to navigate alone.
Young people in Tasmania are disproportionately impacted by homelessness, mental ill-health, violence, discrimination, and disconnection.
Housing is increasingly unaffordable. Access to safe support is difficult to navigate. For many, home is not a safe place. For some, there’s no home at all. Too often, young Tasmanians are treated as problems to be solved, not people with power. Their voices are overlooked in the systems meant to support them.
Their needs are misunderstood. And the services they rely on are underfunded, overburdened, and not designed with young people in mind. But it doesn't have to be this way.
At Home Base, we work alongside young people to change the systems, stories and supports that shape their lives.
We know the solutions already exist because young people are already leading them.
What began, 50 years ago, as a drop-in centre for young people to connect, learn and grow has now turned into a bustling, for-purpose organisation.
We have helped more than 350,000 Tasmanians who have turned up for assistance and been there for over 7,000 young people with early intervention support.
We put young people first to help co-design and lead their own programs and pathways. We focus on the things young people need help with.
BECAUSE EVERY YOUNG TASMANIAN IS A HERO IN THE MAKING!
OUR KEY IMPACT AREAS
-
Youth homelessness is growing sharply in Tasmania with recent data showing that 39% of people experiencing homelessness are children and young people aged 0–24, and that 10% of Tasmanians aged 15-19 have experienced homelessness in the past year. *
In 2024-25, we provided 3,422 nights of safe accommodation, with 129 young people supported in crisis and transitional housing.
Beyond immediate shelter, 59 young people successfully transitioned into stable living arrangements with family, relatives, or private rentals.
Rental housing subsidies supported another 15 young people to remain in work or training.
Long-term support has helped to maintain 16 social housing tenancies with 100% of residents experiencing stable or improved living situations.
“JUMPSTARTS WEEKLY HELP TOWARDS MY RENT WILL MAKE IT A LOT MORE AFFORDABLE FOR OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS LIKE GROCERIES.” – PARTICIPANT, JUMPSTART
“NOW I FEEL LIFE GETS EASIER” – PARTICIPANT, JUMPSTART
*Homelessness rates worsening, safety of children and young people at risk, Dashboard shows — TasCOSS
-
Young Tasmanians face elevated rates of mental ill-health, with studies showing that young people in Tasmania experience mental health conditions at levels above national averages, compounded by rural isolation and socioeconomic disadvantage. *
In 2024-25 young people and their family members who engaged with our services Reported stronger wellbeing, resilience, and confidence in their futures.
More than 50% of residents in supported accommodation made measurable progress on their wellbeing goals, while 87% of those receiving recovery-focused supports reported improvements in quality of life and 86% achieved their Individual recovery targets.
Creative, family-based programs helped more than 90% of participants build independence and coping skills, while school-based prevention programs strengthened emotional awareness and promoted healthier ideas of strength, respect, and self-control.
These outcomes show how safe spaces, consistent support, and skills-based approaches are reducing the risks of mental ill-health and building resilience across Tasmania.
“ANGER IS HOW I FEEL, NOT WHO I AM!” – PARTICIPANT, STEP UP
“THE THING I’VE LIKED MOST ABOUT PAKT IS SEEING MY MUM SMILE MORE.” – PARTICIPANT, PAKT
-
Healthy relationships and strong community connections are essential for young people to thrive. In 2024-25, Home Base strengthened these supports through referrals, programs, and targeted interventions.
We helped young people and families to reconnect, rebuild trust, and form stronger ties to their communities.
Interventions addressing family violence saw 66% of participants stop using violent behaviours, 61% no longer using threatening behaviour and nearly half report major improvement in relationships and communication at home.
Young people living with mental ill-health strengthened their links to local support services, while inclusive community programs offered opportunities for leadership, contribution, and belonging.
Prevention initiatives with boys also shifted attitudes toward gender equality and nonviolence, with agreement that men and women should be treated as equals rising from 37% to 68%.
These outcomes demonstrate how relationships grounded in safety and respect can interrupt cycles of harm and open doors to stronger futures.
“RESPECT WOMEN. BE EQUAL. BE NICE.” – RYDER, MERGE
“A MAN DOES NOT HAVE TO BE STRONG TO BE A MAN.” - PARTICIPANT, MERGE
-
In 2024-25 Home Base engaged 889 young Tasmanians in opportunities for education, training, housing, counselling, and community-building.
Creative arts programs reached 292 children and family members, while early-intervention services delivered over 600 support sessions to keep young people connected to school and family.
Intensive therapeutic and case management supports empowered more than 140 young people to take control of their safety, wellbeing, and relationships.
Housing subsidies enabled 15 young people to sustain apprenticeships and traineeships.
These achievements reflect a shared outcome: young Tasmanians equipped with the confidence, skills, and independence to shape their own lives.
“I FEEL GOOD. BEFORE I WAS ALWAYS FIGHTING AND IN TROUBLE WITH POLICE AND FIGHTING BUT NOW, I FEEL GOOD. I KNOW THAT I WANT TO CHANGE FOR MY LITTLE SISTER.” – PARTICIPANT, STEP UP
Take a minute to read about the inspiring people we are working with at home base.
Their stories of courage and hope keep us doing what we do, each and every day!
a message from our ceo, dianne underwood
-
The rebrand to Home Base marked a pivotal moment. More than just a new name, it was a bold affirmation of who we are and what we stand for. Chosen by young Tasmanians themselves, Home Base reflects our commitment to being a place of safety, connection and belonging. A place where young people can feel supported and from which they can launch into their future.
But this wasn’t simply a change in look and feel. It was the result of deep listening and reflection, a statement of intent, grounded in lived experience, and a renewed commitment to systems that work better for young people.
In the face of an escalating housing crisis and increasingly complex challenges for Tasmanian youth, our focus on early intervention and prevention has never been more important. This year, we launched four new programs designed to disrupt the pathway into homelessness before it begins.
Developed through a collective impact approach, these initiatives draw on evidence, community insight, and the voices of those with lived experience. They represent our belief that no young person should be left to navigate life’s toughest moments alone.
Despite enduring funding pressures our team responded with agility, resolve, and vision. We haven’t simply sustained our work, we’ve reimagined it.
Together, we’re reshaping the way support is designed and delivered, with a strong focus on long-term outcomes and lasting change.
Our impact has been made possible through deep collaboration. We have strengthened partnerships across government, business, philanthropy, and community, building new alliances with those who share our belief in what’s possible for young Tasmanians.
Just as importantly, we have continued to invest in our own people. With high employee engagement, dedicated early career pathways, and a strong focus on psychological safety and wellbeing, we’ve built a culture where our team feels supported, valued and inspired. Their dedication and passion power everything we do.
As we look ahead, we do so with a sense of purpose and clarity. Our refreshed strategic framework, currently in development, will guide the next chapter of Home Base. It is being shaped through deep reflection, bold thinking, and a shared commitment to systems change.
To the young people who continue to place their trust in us: you are the heart of everything we do. Your strength, courage, and insight push us to be better and remind us every day why this mission matters.
To our partners, funders, and supporters: thank you for walking alongside us. The road ahead will not be easy, but it is clear.
Together, we can, and will, build a Tasmania where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
during the year, our team worked with young people and families to create better + brighter futures.
Here’s a handful of highlights through-out the 2024-25 year.
we would like to extend our deep gratitude to our partners for their support during 2024-25.
The estate of Reginald Ray Webb.
Want to know more about our impact?
For our full report containing more stories and impact, head over to our reports page and view our stats for previous years, including case studies and more information on how we’ve been making a difference in the Tasmanian community.
GET THE NEWS FIRST
Join the mailing list and get all the news straight to your inbox!