Creating programs, experiences and places where young people can reconnect with themselves, others, nature and community
The Hangout has grown from more than 25 years of working alongside young people and seeing firsthand the challenges facing this generation.
It's about recognising their strengths and creating environments where they can discover what's possible.
Our vision is to create places and experiences where young people can put down their devices, build genuine relationships, develop confidence, learn practical skills, spend time in nature and know there are people around them who genuinely care.
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can give a young person is somewhere they feel they belong.
The Hangout is an Australian youth-focused social enterprise developing a connected ecosystem of programs, experiences and places designed to support young people at different stages of their lives.
Our growing vision includes:
School programs and large-scale community events exploring bullying prevention, cyber safety, resilience, wellbeing and the power of words.
Experiences beyond the classroom that build confidence, connection and genuine relationships through shared activities and ongoing engagement.
Our vision for welcoming places where young people can disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves, others and nature.
Creating opportunities, in genuine partnership with Aboriginal Elders and communities, for young people to connect with Country, culture, storytelling and community.
Our vision for supported accommodation, life skills, employment pathways and social enterprise opportunities for young people transitioning from care or experiencing homelessness.
The Hangout isn’t designed to feel clinical or institutional. Across more than 25 years of working with young people, one lesson has become clear
The Hangout uses music, humour, storytelling, adventure, animals, food, creativity and shared experiences to create environments where relationships can develop naturally.
Because connection creates trust.
During my work with young people experiencing homelessness at Indigo Junction, I arrived to find many of the young people largely isolated from one another. They often remained in their rooms and there was very little sense of community.
“Breaking Bread Together reflects a simple belief: sharing a meal can create space for conversation, connection and community. It gives young people time to feel welcome, get to know one another and build relationships naturally.”
At The Hangout, young people are encouraged to help shape the experiences they take part in. We want them to contribute ideas, make meaningful choices, take responsibility and discover what they can bring to their community.
My journey to creating The Hangout hasn’t followed a conventional path. For more than 25 years, I’ve worked with young people across schools, youth programs, juvenile justice, homelessness services, disability programs, camps and community organisations.
Managing a Juvenile Justice Centre for five years taught me the importance of relationships, structure, consistency and positive role models. I’ve also supported young people experiencing homelessness through Indigo Junction, worked with autistic young people through Spectrum Space, and led programs and camps with Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, focusing on connection, belonging and wellbeing.
Today, I work with thousands of students across Western Australia as Head Program Facilitator for Bully Zero, delivering programs focused on bullying prevention, resilience, cyber safety, wellbeing and the power of words.
My experience as a foster carer has also given me firsthand insight into the challenges young people can face when transitioning from care into adulthood. It strengthened my belief that accommodation alone isn’t enough. Young people need practical skills, confidence, meaningful relationships and real opportunities to prepare for independent living.
These experiences are at the heart of Hangout Pathways and the reason I created The Hangout.
The Hangout isn’t based on one theory or one program. It has been shaped by years of seeing what works—and sometimes what doesn’t—across very different youth environments.
Foster care has given me a deeply personal understanding of why young people transitioning from care need practical pathways towards independence.
I don’t want to build another program young people have to attend. I want to build places they actually want to come to.
Our vision extends far beyond one program or one location.
We want to develop a sustainable model capable of creating Hangout Youth Retreat Centres, Hangout Pathways properties and youth initiatives across Australia, working collaboratively with schools, governments, communities, Aboriginal organisations, philanthropy and corporate Australia.
We aren’t looking to do it alone.
We want to work with people and organisations who believe what we believe:
Whether you’re a school, corporate organisation, government agency, community organisation, philanthropist, property owner or simply someone who shares our vision, we’d love to start a conversation.
Have a question or want to explore how we could work together? We’d love to hear from you
The Hangout creates programs, experiences and places where young people can reconnect with themselves, others, nature and community.
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