Couch Surf 2019 Raises Awareness of Homelessness

The event, which will be held at Rockingham PCYC from 1pm–4pm, will feature people racing couches in a bid to raise awareness of couch surfing and homelessness amongst young people in the Rockingham community. Couch surfing is one of the most common ways young people experience homelessness, with those affected moving frequently between places without having a fixed address.    In addition to couch racing the event will include free food and drink, hangout spaces and games. Charitable donations of toiletries and sanitary products will also be collected for Rockingham Share the Dignity, with the products to be provided to young women in the community who are either experiencing or at risk of homelessness.   City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said youth homelessness was a serious issue that often had negative long term impacts.   "Youth Homelessness Matters Day is a national campaign aimed at breaking down stereotypes associated with youth homelessness and ensuring that young people have greater access to support services," Mayor Sammels said.   "Sadly, there are thousands of children and young people across Australia who are homeless. For some this involves sleeping rough on the streets while for others it is a less obvious but still very serious problem where they have no place to call home so they couch surf instead.   "These people have no home and that means no security, no stability, privacy or safety. All of these issues can lead to a number of mental, physical and emotional issues for young people, which is why the City is determined to help by supporting the annual Rockingham Couch Surf for Youth Homelessness Matters Day."       There are a number of contributing factors to homelessness and they include domestic and family violence, relationship/family breakdowns, poverty, social inequality and unemployment.   "The event is made possible through the City’s partnership with local young people and local youth services including headspace Rockingham, Anglicare, Rockingham Salvation Army and Rockingham PCYC," Mayor Sammels said.   "The City also gratefully acknowledges the funding contribution from Vicinity Rockingham Centre and Rockingham PCYC for the event."   The annual Rockingham Couch Surf for Youth Homelessness Matters Day will be held at Rockingham PCYC on Emma Street.

Should you or a young person you know be experiencing or at risk of homelessness please contact the following crisis and emergency accommodation services: