Yesterday, several members of our Cultural Response Team at i24s Group (i24s) came together for a focused, face-to-face Training Session – equipping our frontline team with tools to deliver effective and empathetic Outreach services. 

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Led by Nikki Bollard (Homelessness Coordinator, Department of Communities, Office of Homelessness), the training centred around collaborating with essential services and other community partners, to provide much-needed support for Perth's homeless community. 
 
Outreach can be demanding and rewarding in equal measure, so Deanne Lewis (Cultural Response Team, i24s) facilitated a workshop about managing Aboriginal mental health. The team shared lived experiences and reflective practices, as well as established safe boundaries and self-care strategies to help them continue to deploy culturally-safe and trauma-informed Outreach.
 
Homelessness in Perth remains acute and highly visible – from families forced into makeshift arrangements during the housing crunch, to older people needing supported care – it all underscores the urgency for the Outreach we provide. 
 
In February 2025, a Report from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), captured the strain on individuals navigating through crisis, while sector data showed record highs in people experiencing homelessness, across the State. During the 2025 Homelessness Week in August, the WA Government reaffirmed a record $5.8 billion package for social housing and homelessness reforms, alongside low-barrier accommodation and new housing initiatives in the metro area. Most recently, the Federal Government also announced $30 million for a new St Bartholomew’s House facility in East Perth to support older West Australians who’ve been homeless. All are important steps towards providing wrap-around, person-centred solutions.
 
Image: Left-to-right: Deanne Lewis, Robert Hansen, Stasha Tassone, Clem Smith, Liz Sharp, Mark Spina, Ryan Culbong, Clynton Culbong and Clem Smith.

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​Click here to learn more about i24s' Outreach capabilities and/or call Mark and his team on +61 8 9209 2090.​​​​