ASPIRE Program

ASPIRE provides support for young people who are experiencing family violence or who don’t have a safe or stable place to live.

The program offers practical help, safety planning and specialist guidance for young people aged 16–21, with flexibility to assist others when needed.

ASPIRE brings together youth homelessness support and family violence expertise to make sure young people get the right help, at the right time. The team works alongside young people to improve safety, stability and wellbeing.

What ASPIRE offers

ASPIRE can support young people with:

• Safety planning and support during unsafe or high-risk situations
• Finding safe, short-term or longer-term housing options
• Staying connected to school, training or work
• Accessing legal, financial or other community services
• Building life skills such as budgeting, tenancy skills and confidence
• Linking with health and wellbeing supports
• Someone to talk to who will listen and help explore options

Support is free, confidential and tailored to each person’s needs.

Who the program is for

ASPIRE may be suitable for young people who:

• Are experiencing family violence or don’t feel safe at home
• Have left home, or are thinking about leaving
• Are couch-surfing or unsure where they will stay next
• Are at risk of homelessness
• Need help understanding their options or navigating services
• Want support reconnecting with education, work or the community

If you’re unsure, the ASPIRE team can help you work out if the program is right for you.

Where ASPIRE operates

ASPIRE supports young people across the Geelong region, including Geelong, Colac, Little River, Bannockburn, Teesdale. Support outside these areas may be available depending on circumstances.

How ASPIRE can make a difference

Young people in regional areas can face extra challenges — fewer services, transport barriers and less privacy when asking for help.
ASPIRE helps fill this gap by providing a clear, youth-friendly pathway to safety and support.

The program has already shown positive results, with many young people developing personalised safety plans, improving their stability, building important life skills and re-engaging with school, work or training.

If you or someone you know needs free, confidential support, contact Meli on 03 5226 8900.