Youth Services
Young people are the future of our communities and the period
from 12 to 25 years of age is a critical stage for development, not
only for physical and mental health, but also social wellbeing.
Unfortunately, many young people are in need of support due to a
wide range of factors including homelessness, drug or alcohol use,
family 
breakdown and
other issues that can cause disadvantage.
Such issues have profound effects on the health and wellbeing of
young people – known as the social determinants of health – and our
youth services seek to provide access to essential care and support
wherever possible.
Aims of our Youth Services
St John of God Health Care strives to bridge gaps in services
for young people with a focus on early intervention – we aim to
address health and wellbeing issues before they become serious,
long-term problems that may otherwise persist well into adulthood.
Utilising our expertise and experience in health care enables us to
develop sustainable models of care that empower young people to
make positive decisions about their own lives, building life skills
and improving their wellbeing.
Our youth services in Australia and New Zealand fall
into two main categories:
Horizon House – providing accommodation,
counselling and support for education, employment and training for
young people who are homeless, at risk or unable to secure stable
accommodation and assisting them to access essential
services.
Youth mental health services - responding to specific
community needs including counselling, drug and alcohol services,
dual diagnosis, eating disorders support and mental health services
for Aboriginal young people.
Accessing our youth services
Youth services are open to all young people who need support or
access to our services. Services are provided free of charge to
clients and promoted locally through community organisations, other
youth service providers and GP networks to establish referral
pathways.
How our Youth Services
improve outcomes for young people.