Areas of law we can help with include criminal matters, debts, family violence, Financial Assistance Scheme (for victims of crime). We also provide community legal education and support to workers assisting young people, by providing relevant legal information/guidance on how to help young people facing legal problems.
For further information call us directly on (03) 5338 4500 and ask to speak to a Youth Lawyer.
Youth Housing is a voluntary program for young people between 15 and 25 who are homeless, at risk of homelessness and/or affected by family violence.
This service is voluntary and free.
Youth housing workers assist young people to access safe, secure and affordable housing, and to increase their independent living skills.
Contact
Phone (03) 5338 4500
Youth Housing supports young people with
Access to short-term housing
Information about emergency accommodation
Support with the Office of Housing
Referral to counselling services
Assistance with access to the private rental market
Assistance with Centrelink payments and budgeting
Referral to education and training options
Someone to talk to about concerns at home
Under the Opening Doors Framework, the Ballarat area has a single entry point—Uniting Ballarat—for accessing homelessness and housing services. The BCH Youth Housing program receives all referrals directly from this entry point.
If you are homeless or have a housing crisis, please contact the Uniting Ballarat Housing Program on (03) 5332 1286 between the hours of 9am and 4:30pm.
Alternatively, drop in at 105 Dana Street, Ballarat Central at 9am, and they will arrange a meeting with a housing worker.
Breezeway Meals Program
Uniting Ballarat runs the Breezeway Meals Program from 105 Dana Street, Ballarat Central.
Open every day 11am – 1pm, including public holidays.
Breezeway provides a hot and nutritional two course midday meal for people who are marginalised, homeless, living in insecure accommodation or without cooking facilities. The meal is free or low cost ($3-$4) meal
Soup Bus Ballarat
The Soup Bus provides an after-dark meal service to Ballarat’s homeless and less fortunate on five evenings a week.
Monday to Thursday from 7:30-9:00pm and Sunday from 5:30-7:30pm.
The CBD service operates in front of Cameron’s Metaland, Corner of Eyre St & Doveton St S Ballarat Central.
Youth Support Service (YSS) is a program for young people aged 10-17 years old who are at risk of involvement with the police or youth justice.
This service is voluntary and free.
We provide individualised early intervention and case management with the aim of decreasing young people’s involvement in offending. We provide an outreach service to meet with young people at home or in the community and offer case management for up to 6 months.
Contact
Phone (03) 5338 4500
YSS addresses these risk factors
School disengagement
Risk-taking behaviour
Antisocial peer groups
Disengagement from family and community
Police cautions or other interactions
We primarily accept referrals from Victoria Police, but we can accept referrals from other agencies, schools and self-referrals.
Call us directly on (03) 5338 4500 and request a Youth Support Service worker.