This funding will contribute towards employing a Cocoon Social Worker to provide daily program support, manage the Cocoon environment, and build relationships with young women (aged 17-21) in the expanded program located in St Kilda.
The support worker will:
The Cocoon Social Worker will act as a bridge between residents and the wider support
network. Their proactive engagement will create a sense of safety and belonging, crucial
for program success. Our Cocoon pilot showed that a stable and supportive environment
is essential for young people experiencing homelessness to heal, build resilience, and
participate in opportunities for growth. The Cocoon Social Worker will fulfill this role,
ensuring a smooth transition for residents and maximising the program's impact.
Key outcomes include:
We will evaluate the effectiveness of this initiative by using a comprehensive evaluation
approach using combined quantitative and qualitative methods. We will mainly evaluate:
Bridge It, established in June 2021, aims to end youth homelessness by providing a home, community, and support so that young women can thrive in life. While most Australian young women have supportive families and the opportunity to remain living at home for as long as they want to, the young women we support do not have this option. 50% of our residents have been in residential or foster care, the other 50% have experienced homelessness and have no family support. Most of our young women have no contact with their family and are not allowed to stay in touch with the staff members who raised them in residential care or in crisis accommodations.
The Cocoon program offers 12-18 months of early intervention and wraparound tailored support for young women aged 17-21 transitioning from out-of-home care (OoHC) or facing homelessness. The goal is to help them recover, stabilise, develop living skills, and prepare for long-term housing.
Our Mission – To end youth homelessness by providing homes, community and high quality support.
Our Micro Vision – There’s a Cocoon in every State.
Our Macro Vision – We inspire new ways of thinking so homelessness support is life-changing and long-lasting.
Our Mega Vision – We play a role in ending youth homelessness in Australia.
