Outreach
Facilitating connection through change
Offering trust, companionship and conversation to those on the streets
Social isolation is often a major problem that people experiencing homelessness face, often what someone could need most is a listening ear. Outreaches are the core of our movement - our “point of difference.”
The outreach
itself is simple. When we meet someone potentially sleeping rough, we take the opportunity to
start a conversation, like catching up with a friend. What we are truly offering is our
time and attention.
We look to offer respect, dignity, and acknowledgement to the people that we come across as a member of
the society they live in.
"We pride ourselves on providing direct support to those
experiencing homelessness across the nation."
Sounds like you? Sign up today
We currently provide outreaches in several capital cities across the nation. To join us on an Outreach or to learn more about what we do, please sign up through the Get Involved button below. We’d love to have you join the Mobilise community.
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Jac Gray
The stories from our friends on the street are harrowing, eye opening and have helped facilitate a positive change.
At the core, I love being able to have conversations and simply listen to people who may feel abandoned or isolated from society because of factors outside their control, while giving them a safe place to feel heard.
Casey Ash
During my time volunteering so far, I have realised the importance of human interaction as well as being moved by the vulnerability of our friends experiencing homelessness. Their willingness to open up and talk freely has allowed me to grow in confidence, offering support to people in need beyond the outreaches.
Lucy Smith
I enjoy the light hearted nature of the conversations and it has given me the confidence to stop and chat with our friends on the street outside of the Mobilise outreaches.
Jake Borsato
Attending Mobilise Outreaches is the perfect platform to make a difference. I thoroughly enjoy educating myself and caring for others.
The perception of people experiencing homelessness is changing for the better, but there is a long way to go.
Contributing to this makes me feel like I am being the best person I can be.
Elle Tiganis
This weekend I finally put myself in the position to educate myself and take action, instead of sitting around wishing I could do something.
We all have the ability to brighten someone’s day even if we think we can’t help.
Maddy Bartlett
Darren’s enthusiasm was inspiring and his hopes for the future involved applying for jobs and getting back into his passion for cooking. After our chat, he was off to hand out extra meals he’d been given to his friends also doing it rough.
While every conversation we have during Outreaches doesn’t feature so many successes, being able to celebrate Darren’s achievements with him was a really special moment.
Cameron McFarlane
With the majority of the homeless people I’ve met on outreaches, it always feels like they’ve enjoyed having a conversation, it’s just like a conversation you’d have with a mate with lots of smiles, which is incredible attitudes considering their situations.
Aidan McColm
I attend these events because I want to give back to those less fortunate.
Although I was there to show these people experiencing homelessness that I care about them, I left with this incredible feeling of knowing I made someone’s day a little bit better.
Volunteer FAQs
What is an outreach?
The outreach itself is simple. You will head out on to the streets in small groups led by our Outreach Coordinators with pre-prepared care packages. When you find someone sleeping rough, ask if they would like a care package. If they say yes, take the opportunity to crouch or sit down (eye level with the person!) and start a conversation like you’re catching up with a friend. The care packages are just a method to break the ice, what we are truly offering is our time and attention.
We do this because we want to get to know the people we share our cities with and offer genuine connections to people experiencing homelessness. As we all know, sometimes it is the small moments, a good chat or smiles from someone that can lift our mood for the day.
How is an Outreach event run?
Outreaches are made up of three things:
- Meeting up and pre-briefing – A chance for all volunteers to meet at a central point, introduce themselves to the team. The pre-briefing outlines what to expect from the Outreach and volunteers may ask any questions they may have about the experience.
- Walking the streets – The main portion of the Outreach, where we walk along the streets, stopping to have a chat with people we come across that may be experiencing homelessness.
- Meeting and debriefing – One of the most important parts of the Outreach, where all volunteers and team leaders are given a chance to reflect on their experiences and share stories with the team.
How is an Outreach event run?
Outreaches are made up of three things:
- Meeting up and pre-briefing – A chance for all volunteers to meet at a central point, introduce themselves to the team. The pre-briefing outlines what to expect from the Outreach and volunteers may ask any questions they may have about the experience.
- Walking the streets – The main portion of the Outreach, where we walk along the streets, stopping to have a chat with people we come across that may be experiencing homelessness.
- Meeting and debriefing – One of the most important parts of the Outreach, where all volunteers and team leaders are given a chance to reflect on their experiences and share stories with the team.
How do I start a conversation?
It’s not too complicated, by saying hello you’re 90% of the way there, below is the way that we go about starting our conversations.
It’s important to follow these key tips to help you strike up a conversation in a respectful and considerate manner.
- Ask people for permission: Before kneeling or sitting down, introduce yourself, ask if they would be comfortable for you to do so. “Hi, my name is ___ would it be okay for us to stop and have a chat?”
- Eye level: If the person is seated, get down to ground level as soon as you make eye contact with someone. It ensures you are speaking to them as an equal and not imposing on their personal space.
- Say hello: The universal language is a smile, give them out freely as give them a warm hello!
- Respect: Treat someone as you would like to be treated. Be friendly and compassionate.
- Body language & awareness: be aware of when the conversation should naturally end, say “thank you for your time” and move on.