Couch surfing puts spotlight on youth homelessness

This Youth Homelessness Matters Day – 17 April 2024 – Anglicare NT and City of Darwin are coordinating the annual Couch Surfing event. We will bring together young people, families, schools, community organisations and supporters for couch races, best decorated couch displays and information stalls to raise awareness of youth homelessness.

Too many children and young people in Australia live in unsafe or overcrowded home environments, couch surf or sleep rough. In the Northern Territory there are over 3,000 young people aged 12- 25 years who are homeless on any given night (ABS 2021). That’s almost twelve times the national average.

At the Couch Surfing event, more than 20 teams of young people will compete in fast-paced race heats, with several teams travelling from Katherine and Nhulunbuy to take part. More than 30 local organisations will be on hand to provide information and advice in a non-judgemental space.

Couches decorated with beautiful artwork and important messages will vie to win the best-decorated award. With free food and drinks, music, speeches, prizes and lots of media present, Couch Surfing is a great day and important lever for awareness raising and advocacy efforts.

Anglicare NT CEO Craig Kelly said “although it is exciting to hold the 12^th annual Couch Surfing race event this year, much still needs to be done at the national and local levels to end youth homelessness. All young people need a safe place to call home. Sleeping on the street, in overcrowded conditions or on someone’s couch is not OK! We need real action, evidence-based solutions and needs-based funding now. With support, young people can feel safe, re-engage with education and employment and connect with family, friends and the wider community.”

Everyone is invited to watch the action, take part in free activities and visit information stalls promoting local support services. Our major sponsor First Nations Broadcasting will broadcast live from the event that runs from 10am – 2pm on Wednesday 17 April at Civic Park, Darwin.