Torin’s story

Program:

Sidney Myer Haven Shared Futures

Torin spent two years at Sidney Myer Haven (SMH) and impressed everyone who met him with his endearing personality. During his time, Torin was working through some mental health challenges, and found comfort in creating music at SMH’s music studio with the resident music producer.

During this time, Torin honed his musical talent to the point of writing and recording structured songs. Torin and his musical talent amazed many, including Triple J’s Hack program when they visited SMH in 2022. Torin said that living at SMH with the community of staff and other residents helped him navigate his mental health. Engaging in music making and physical activities including basketball, walks, and organised activities gave him structure and a creative outlet. Torin successfully exited the program early in 2022 to live with a friend and take that next step of independent living. He is looking forward to building on the musical platform he has achieved through SMH and wants to finish recording his first album and then work on building his confidence to perform in front of people.

Older people are seeking our services more than ever before

70%

of clients who exited the ICMI program were stabilised in accommodation at the end of their support period.

Supporting older people

Older people are seeking our services more than ever before, particularly women over the age of 50. Stories of part-time and casual work whilst caring for children and a lack of superannuation are all too common and placing our most vulnerable citizens at risk of not being able to age in their community. Through our Housing Support for the Aged and Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged programs we focus on providing a safety network around people. Many of the participants are older women, experiencing intergenerational entrenched homelessness. They are excluded from social and economic participation as they have missed opportunities to develop labour productivity skills.

Building connections

Building trusting relationships with residents and Supported Residential Services proprietors and staff is central to the success of our Supporting Connections Program. We support residents across five facilities throughout regional Victoria, building connections with one another and trialling initiatives such as healthy eating and oral health. Connecting residents with their community is key to improved health and wellbeing. This year external activities returned and residents enjoyed trips to the Werribee Zoo, Hanging Rock and Hepburn Springs for picnics and bush walking. We successfully relocated residents from Homebush Hall following the retirement of the owners. Leveraging our partnerships with other Supported Residential Services we were able to find new homes for all Homebush residents. Feedback from residents and proprietors has been positive with both groups feeling well-supported through our program. Our program is only one of two in Victoria and makes a huge difference in connecting residents with their local communities and having a safe and supported place to live.

Showing up for those who need us most

Housing plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of individuals and their families and is the foundation upon which to build a better life. We see the effect the provision of safe, secure and affordable housing can have on people’s lives through our Intensive Case Management Initiative (ICMI). This program supports adults with high and complex needs who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have challenges navigating the services system. This year, we increased our support to 19 clients as well as providing guidance to people needing information and support but are not eligible for the program. Over 70 per cent of clients who exited the ICMI program were stabilised in accommodation at the end of their support period, either in transitional or long-term housing or with family members. We are proud to have supported one client into a private rental.