To coincide with National Homelessness Week, Clarence City Council is again hosting ‘Off the Couch’, on Wednesday, 7 August, an initiative designed shine a light on the impact of housing insecurity on younger Tasmanians and prevalence of couch-surfing.
‘Off the Couch’ is now in its third year, with the event growing in status as it continues to place focus on building education, empathy, and awareness in the community of young people experiencing homelessness.
2021 Census data revealed that most people experiencing homelessness in Tasmania were under the age of 35. Young People aged 12 – 24 years old comprised one-quarter of all Tasmanians experiencing homelessness (25%) and 14% were under the age of 12.
Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the issue of homelessness is an ever-present result of the rising cost of living and increases in rent, property prices and mortgage rates.
“Clarence sadly is not isolated from homelessness, and there are some obvious reminders of people’s circumstances around our city, however youth homelessness is often hidden,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“This event has proved to be one which both brings people together and highlights the issue around housing insecurity.
“By involving young people in the conversation through initiatives like ‘Off the Couch’ we hope to bring the problem of youth homelessness out into the open.”
Held at the Rosny Skate Park, ‘Off the Couch’ will again be offering food, hot drinks, music, and activities including a skateboarding competition, and hundreds of dollars’ worth of prizes and giveaways.
Council is partnering with several service providers and organisations to hold this event, including Clarence City Council Youth Services, the Youth Network Advisory Group (YNAG), Vinnies – Loui’s Van, Salvation Army Emergency Services, Mission Australia Youth Beat, Colony47, Jimmy’s Skate and Street, Shelter Tasmania, Centacare Evolve Housing, Bridgewater PCYC, St John Ambulance Australia, Metro Tasmania and Recycle Create Play to deliver programs during the event, as well as providing information and support around the impact of homelessness on young people.
The event is one of several Clarence City Council initiatives aimed at improving responses to the homelessness crisis.
