Launch Youth

Parliamentary visits from Canberra...and a new garden

Launch is a Hobart-based shelter for male youth (13-22yrs) who are either homeless or troubled by mental health issues. As a medium to long term home for these young men, it is the only such shelter in Tasmania.

1.  Parliamentary Visit to Launch.   In early August, Launch Youth was visited by a delegation of Federal politicians and supporting staff for Homelessness Week. Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services, Luke Howarth, and Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz, met with our CEO and his team to discuss the work of Pathways, tour our Launch Youth facility followed by a working lunch afterwards. Asst. Minister Howarth spent some time chatting to Launch residents and staff and commended Pathways on the good work and excellent reputation that had come to his attention.  It was noted that Senator Eric Abetz was instrumental in founding Launch Youth (then called YASTAS) some 30+ years ago. It was a fond walk down memory lane for Sen. Abetz as he rejoiced in the facility improvements and rehabilitation outcomes.

2.  New garden for Launch Youth.   Recently the young men who live in our Launch Youth shelter helped renew the garden in front of their home, supervised by assistant Launch Youth manager, Jamie Baldry.  Working with residents, staff planned, purchased and landscaped the garden and lifted the street appeal. Taking several days, the project looks great and injected some civic pride and landscaping  skills into our young men.

3.  Outings.   Launch residents regularly go on outings and the movies, and sometimes they are close to home. The outings educate, lift their social interaction in the community...and just insert some good ol' fashion fun into their lives! We all need fun!  Here are some happy / goofy photos of a recent trip to the snows of kunanyi / Mt Wellington.