Voyage of Discovery

I met up with Scott the Youth off the Streets Outreach manager and donned my YOTS t-shirt before setting off with him to undertake Outreach. My first task was to meet up with another Outreach organisation called 'just enough faith' who provide food for the homeless population of Sydney.

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The organisation was set up by a local business man who had become aware of the extent of homelessness having walked through Hyde Park late one evening, shocked by how many people were sleeping rough he set up a nightly food van which runs through a large volunteers membership. Each xmas they ensures all homeless people are given an xmas party and that everyone receives a xmas present. The organisation works closely with Youth of the Streets (YOTS) as they frequently make contact with young people as well as Adults. Scott liases with the group to locate and ensure homeless young people are assisted with their needs. These can range from issues relating to homelessness, drug misuse, abuse, mental and physical health problems. Outreach became somewhat as a shock, having spent a few days as a tourist in Sydney seeing the pleasant side of life. I was suprised to see how many homeless people were queuing for food at the end of the park gates, where a large bus was parked and volunteers handing out hot food and drinks. At least 80 people waited their turn to receive food, this was considered a very quiet night, as it is not unusual to have up to 200 people queuing for food. The atmosphere around the distribution area appeared amiable enough however you were ever conscious that the situation could easily become strained. Clear mental health problems existed for some, whilst drug taking evident with others. The occasional argument could be witnessed and you needed to be on your guard.

We were introduced to a young male backpacker from Belgium who had recently had his belongings stolen. He has been staying at a local hostel but earlier that evening had been asked to leave due to his erratic behaviour. It was clear from our conversation with him that 'Rick' required support, his feet were covered in sores and he could hardly walk. He talked incessantly in exaggerated terms and also appeared confused. The role for outreach this evening was to find him accommodation, arrange a drug and mental health assessment, make contact with is parents back in Belgium and to arrange for his return home. Scott informed me that it is not unusual for YOTS outreach and other NGO's to be faced with these problems on a regular basis, not only from Australian nationals but from visitors to the country who lose their way through drug misuse, illness or other misfortune.