Charlotte is a crisis accommodation case worker in a youth refuge, The Bridge. The Bridge is a crisis refuge operated by Project Youth and serves as crucial support network for young peopled aged 16-19 who are facing immediate homelessness in the Sutherland Shire. 

In this conversation, we discuss her experiences and perspectives, as well as the important work of both The Bridge and Project Youth. If you would like to learn more, please visit the Project Youth website here.

Timestamps:

[0:51] - Charlotte's career journey

[2:55] - Her role within Project Youth

[4:12] - Daily responsibilities of a youth worker in crisis accommodation 

[5:36] - Challenges facing youth workers

[6:32] - Value of her prior work experience in hospitality 

[8:53] - The referral process for a crisis refuge 

[11:33] - Differences between crisis housing and other housing supports

[12:31] - Interdependence of youth services 

[14:46] - Exit pathways from a crisis refuge

[17:03] - How a crisis refuge can break the chain of homelessness

[18:55] - Importance of professional boundaries as a youth worker

[20:33] - Hidden homelessness 

[23:49] - Legal complexity for youth services 

[26:12] - Learning from COVID-19

[31:33] - Importance of awareness and acknowledgement 

[35:03] - Lockdown reading and post-lockdown plans