our stories
*Names have been changed to protect identity of Home Base participants.
FRANK’S STORY
Frank has experienced significant grief, loss, and trauma.
Throughout his life, he has also struggled with periods of mental ill-health and struggles he felt were never adequately treated or managed.
Frank was living in supported accommodation in the city, and while he was appreciative of somewhere to stay, the environment was noisy with many people around, offering little personal space.
“MY MENTAL HEALTH WAS GETTING BAD AGAIN,” FRANK RECALLS. “I COULDN’T FOCUS ON MYSELF WHEN THERE WERE THAT MANY PEOPLE AROUND… IT FELT LIKE I DIDN’T HAVE A PROPER HOME”.
It was during this difficult period that Frank was connected to Eureka Clubhouse, where he quickly became a valued member. While spending time with us, Frank shared his concerns with staff, particularly how his living situation was impacting his mental health. So, when a Eureka tenancy became available, both Frank and the team worked together to make the move possible.
Recognising that Frank could benefit from additional mental health support to ensure he was being set up for success in his new home, our staff referred Frank to the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI). Through HASI, Frank began receiving one-on-one support to assist him in accessing a counsellor, as well as navigating the mental health system to see a psychiatrist. Two key goals that were important to him.
As a result, Frank has finally received a mental health diagnosis that fits the symptoms he has experienced most of his life and has started treatment to help manage his mental health.
With stable and independent accommodation, Frank now feels like he can focus on his mental and physical health. He attends regular appointments, spends more time participating at the Clubhouse and is exploring other ways to use his time that is purposeful to him.
BELLA’S STORY
Bella*, a high school student, was referred to Home Base for support with emotional regulation, low self-esteem, coping strategies, and building positive relationships.
After experiencing bullying at school, Bella struggled with negative thoughts, a lack of confidence and low self-worth. We collaborated with her teachers to ensure her learning and social needs were supported and acknowledged, while also helping Bella explore personal strengths, like being hardworking and kind.
Through role-playing and confidence-building activities, Bella became more comfortable initiating conversations, showing interest in positive friendships, and setting healthy boundaries, particularly with bullies.
Over time, Bella developed effective strategies to manage intrusive thoughts and regulate her emotions, which helped her build resilience and a stronger sense of self. She learned to accept her reality and trust that challenges are temporary, and that she has the strength to move through them.
Eventually, and with our support, Bella reached a point where she could recognise her worth beyond appearance or peer approval, allowing her to form more positive and meaningful connections.
KATIE + ROBYN’S STORY
When Katie*, 14, and mum, Robyn* were referred to Home Base, conflict and violence was commonplace within the family home. Robyn had placed a restraining order on Katie in attempts to keep herself and younger siblings safe. However, police were still attending the residence frequently and Katie was often choosing to spend nights couch surfing or at the local youth shelter.
Katie began attending Step Up sessions weekly, in the community or at school. Katie was supported to develop a safety plan that helped her unpack her triggers, notice her anger warning signs earlier and implement healthy coping strategies to prevent violence.
[HOME BASE] “TAUGHT ME HOW TO TALK WITH MUM SO SHE WOULD ACTUALLY GET ME … MUM STARTED NOT CONTROLLING EVERY LITTLE THING I DID AS MUCH AND ‘COS OF THAT I STAY HOME MORE NOW INSTEAD OF OUT STEALING.” SAID KATIE.
Robyn also met with us weekly and began to understand the underlying factors for the conflict and adjust her responses and the way she communicated her concerns and expectations. “At the start, I thought Katie was purposely trying to hurt me, like her father, and our situation was her fault … [Home Base] taught me how brains work when you’ve had shit things happen in ya life and that my reactions were a big part of our problems.” said Robyn.
Robyn and Katie began spending more time together, strengthening their relationship and practicing their new skills in repairing after conflict and negotiating agreements.
On completion of our program, Robyn recorded that Katie no longer uses any physical or threatening violence. Robyn shared “We still argue sometimes, but it doesn’t blow up like before, we both know the signs to take a break before we really hurt each other… [Home Base] reminded me of the good parts of Katie and how I’ve gotta tell her those too if I want her to be them in the future instead of just an angry, violent kid.”
EMMA’S STORY
At 16, Emma* was referred to the Education Support Pilot while experiencing severe anxiety, unstable housing, and complete disengagement from school.
With consistent 1:1 support from her Engagement Coach, she built trust, accessed health and housing services, and developed strategies to support her wellbeing.
Within three months, Emma went from not leaving the house to attending school regularly, travelling independently, and exploring career pathways.
A move into Youth2Independence housing has given her stability, and she is now learning life skills, building positive connections, and growing in confidence.
Emma’s journey shows the power of consistent compassionate support in helping young people believe in their future.
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.