Collaboration with PLACE, Mental Health Support and Housing Milestones

From the Cottage: 8th – 11th April 2025

Collaboration, Support and Empowerment for Our Community

This week at Fletcher Street Cottage, we’ve focused on collaboration with key stakeholders, offering vital support to individuals and celebrating positive changes in our community. Here’s a look at what’s been happening.

Highlights:

• On Tuesday, we attended the Northern Rivers Zero Action Group - a homelessness action group attended by key stakeholders in the region. This meeting was essential in keeping up-to-date with the latest strategies and actions aimed at addressing homelessness in the Northern Rivers.
• On Wednesday, we joined fellow members of the End Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire (ERSCBS) to meet with Luke and Nadine from PLACE. PLACE (Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment) is a national organisation focused on supporting place-based approaches in local communities. They aim to enable communities to share decision-making with governments on key local issues. We’re excited to collaborate with PLACE to create lasting change in the Byron Shire.
• On Thursday, Luke and Nadine joined us at Fletcher Street Cottage for breakfast to discuss the needs of our local community. This was a valuable opportunity to share insights and further strengthen our partnership.
• On Thursday morning, Jennifer Abed, our Community Support Worker, facilitated another beautiful art therapy space for our clients. This space continues to provide a safe, creative outlet for self-expression.
• We were also visited by the GP from First Light Health Care and the Homeless Health Outreach Team, who offered essential mental health support for our clients. These services are critical in providing wraparound care for those facing homelessness and mental health challenges.
• We were able to link a woman with vital mental health support, creating a path to stability for her. We also helped her visit her child, who lives out of area. The client shared, “I really appreciate all the help, this is the first time in my life I’ve felt really supported and understood.”
• A vulnerable woman who has been escaping domestic and family violence for many months was able to connect with housing support at Fletcher Street Cottage. She completed a referral, meaning she is now eligible for further support to transform her situation. We are so glad to have been a part of this important step in her journey.
• Due to Fletcher Street Cottage’s advocacy and support, a client was able to find the right support tailored to his needs. After 1.5 years, he finally feels he has the right people supporting him in his journey to stability.
• We are very grateful for a donation of single bed sheets and towels from Sleep Safe. These donations are incredibly valuable in ensuring our clients have the basic necessities they need.
• This week, we saw 237 people come through our doors for support, and we continue to be a welcoming, safe space for those who need assistance.

‍About Fletcher Street Cottage

Fletcher Street Cottage is a community hub in the heart of Byron Bay, offering essential support for individuals facing homelessness and hardship. Our services include nutritious meals, access to showers and laundry, advocacy, health services and more, all aimed at helping our clients move toward stability and self-sufficiency. With the support of our dedicated team, volunteers and generous community partners, we’re working every day to make a positive impact.