Gold Coast Housing and Support Link Service (HSLS)
Who is this program for?
The HSLS program provides case management for young pregnant women and young parents with caring responsibilities, particularly when housing stress makes pregnancy and early parenthood more challenging.
This program supports young parents:
- Aged 16–25
- Who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness
- Who are currently connected to the Gold Coast University Hospital
What can families expect?
The program supports families to work towards housing stability, access health and community services, and reduce the risk of crisis, so parents can focus on caring for their baby and building confidence in early parenthood. Support is available during pregnancy and the early parenting period.
Families can expect:
- Early support to connect with the right services, including health, family support, mental health, DFV services and parenting programs
- Stronger connections with health, housing and community services
- Personal connection that reduces stress and improves wellbeing
- A culturally safe environment for young First Nations parents through partnership with Waijungbah Jarjums
Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) delivers HSLS in partnership with the Queensland Government Department of Housing and Public Works and the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.
The program also partners with Waijungbah Jarjums to strengthen community and cultural connections, ensure services are culturally safe, and enhance kinship support networks for young First Nations parents.
Trauma-informed, strengths-based and family-centred:
HSLS is trauma-informed and strengths-based, centred on each parent’s needs and recognising how challenging pregnancy and early parenthood can be when housing is uncertain. The service focuses on choice, dignity, cultural safety, and supporting families to set goals that matter to them.
A linking and coordination service
HSLS does not directly provide housing or crisis accommodation. Instead, it acts as a linking and coordination point between health, housing and community supports.
“Ensuring safe and secure housing is a basic need that helps reduce the risk of crisis and allows parents to focus on caring for their baby”
Tessa Neil
WMQ Youth and Family Support Services Manager
