IN Charity House

By Ara Jansen

A soon-to-be-built house in Banksia Grove is more than just a family home. It will be raising funds to help young people.

When the home at 6 Saxicola Road eventually goes under the hammer, the people who take possession of the keys will be the link which closes a chain in the life of a building which has a wonderful back story.
The house in Banksia Grove is the 2011 Youth Focus Charity Home. It is being built as a fundraiser for Youth Focus, an independent not-for-profit organisation supporting vulnerable young West Australians and their families through a range of free mental health services to battle issues associated with suicide, depression and self harm.

The Charity House provides an important source of revenue for Youth Focus with all profits from the sale going directly to help maintain their services. The first home was built in 2005 in Baldivis and a second was built in Mandurah in 2008. This year 101 Residential and long-term supporter Scott Park are once again supporting the Charity House project alongside the Banksia Grove development.
Offering the opportunity for young people to help each other, the construction of the Charity House allows apprentices to become involved in building the house. This not only offers them the opportunity to gain experience and skills, it also provides a sense of satisfaction by assisting those in need.
Youth Focus business manager Warren Mahoney says in the construction industry, mental health is an important issue, so it’s a perfect relationship.

“Young people involved in this industry face many challenges,” Warren says. “For most, having money and freedom yet significant responsibility for the first time can create stress. To its credit, the industry has recognised this and we are starting to work with various players to better educate supervisors to have a deeper understanding of triggers and symptoms related to poor mental health. “The construction industry is very relevant as research clearly indicates that young men are disproportionately more likely to suffer mental health issues and not get help compared to young females. Young men just don’t raise these issues with each other and they are statistically more prone to suicide and depression as a result. This project is a great way to raise awareness so the support from 101 Residential and Banksia Grove is very important to us.

Building has commenced on the site at Saxicola Road and once the property opens as a display home towards the end of the year, the public will be invited to view it. Warren says Youth Focus will have a presence at the house in order to share information about their services. The family home will be auctioned early in 2012.

“Working with apprentices on this house and then with people coming to visit, it’s a great way to access young people or their families who might need our services.”
Check out www.youthfocus.com.au