Horizon House recognised with Catholic Health Australia Award

We are delighted to announce that St John of God Horizon House was recognised for its commitment to the healing ministry of Jesus through delivery of an innovative service that improves the health status of the vulnerable and marginalised at this year’s Catholic Health Australia Awards, held on 29 August, as recipient of the Outreach Health Care Award.

1 Sep 2023

One of eight outreach services delivered by St John of God Health Care, Horizon House provides safe, stable accommodation to young people aged 16-22 years who are currently experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

The service empowers and supports these young people to build the life they want by providing a safe and stable home.

St John of God Social Outreach Director Homelessness and Support Services, Naomi Boyd said that accommodation was only part of the picture and it was the wrap-around support provided by the service that makes it unique

“While they’re with us, we focus on connecting young people with education, training and employment and on developing the essential life skills that they’ll need to live independently and look after themselves,” Naomi said.

“Many of the young people in our care have faced multiple challenges such as family conflict, physical or mental abuse, disrupted education, substance abuse and unemployment.

“We help connect them with appropriate community-based support and clinical services, and provide strengths based, trauma-informed support and case management.

“Our job is not to replace the role of parents or guardians, rather we support the young people at Horizon House to develop the skills needed to achieve their goals and realise their potential.”

Specialist support is available for young mums and their babies through the Young Mother and Baby Program and for young Aboriginal men through James Garnaut Horizon House in Broome.

Last financial year, Horizon House provided 176 young people with 42,238 nights of secure accommodation in 13 houses across Perth, regional WA and regional Victoria, including 32 young mothers and their babies. Of those young people, 44 identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

“The resilience and determination that these young people show and the way they flourish when they’re given the safety, stability and support that they need is absolutely inspiring,” Naomi said.

Last financial year 90% of the young people who entered the Horizon House program transitioned into independent living. 128 accessed education and 102 were able to engage in employment opportunities. Critically, 82% of the young people in the service said it had a positive effect on their overall wellbeing.

“I am thrilled that Horizon House, and the dedicated team of caregivers who bring it to life, have been recognised for the work they do in providing what is quite literally a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Naomi said.

Find out more about Horizon House here.