This year, we’ve paired up with non-profit Bridge It to raise funds for their housing program, called the Cocoon. The Cocoon provides young women aged 17-21, who are at risk of homelessness, with self-contained apartments, communal facilities, and support programs.

More than just a roof overhead, the Cocoon is a home for these young women to stay, recover, stabilise, develop living skills, and get ready for long-term housing.

And for Zoe, a former resident of the Cocoon, it was her home from September 2022, until she was able to move into her new apartment last year. This is Zoe’s story of her time at the Cocoon, and how it helped transform her life.

Life Before the Cocoon

What did life look like for you before coming to the Cocoon?

At 17, living with one other kid and a mentor, I felt incredibly on edge. My upcoming 18th birthday became scary, bringing uncertainty about where I'd live next.

I was afraid.

The Cocoon stepped in, offering not just a safe haven from homelessness, but a chance to learn, grow, and finally unwind. It gave me the space to focus on building my future.

Can you reflect on what your previous experience of support was like and what you felt was different from your time at the Cocoon.

The support at my previous place where I was living was very conditional – they’d only help me up until I turned 18 and this was very stressful.

The support at the Cocoon was all encompassing.

It was groups, skill building and peer mentoring. I felt so supported and cared for. Bridge It also supported me to find me the place I’m living in now and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Life at the Cocoon

What was it like living at the Cocoon?

Walking into the Cocoon, I was surprised by the incredible wave of support I received.

It was unlike anything I'd expected.

The focus on younger women created a safe space where I felt comfortable socialising. I was taught awesome new skills that really helped me. The inclusive groups made it easy to connect with others, and I even formed a lifelong friendship at the Cocoon. This has brought me immense hope and happiness.

What was your experience of peer mentoring while at the Cocoon?

Having Sam as a peer mentor was unlike any support I'd received before. She'd faced similar challenges in her life, giving her a unique understanding of my struggles.

Unlike some past mentors, Sam never dismissed or judged my troubles. Instead, she listened patiently and offered insightful advice. This genuine support made me feel truly cared for. Peer mentoring, in general, helped me feel less isolated. The group sessions connected me with other residents facing similar challenges.

Through these shared experiences, peer mentoring fostered a strong sense of connection amongst us. I’m also keen to start a program, returning to the Cocoon to learn how to become a mentor there myself to help future residents.

Why do you think it’s important to have peer mentoring?

I think it’s important to have peer mentoring to help motivate people like myself to make life the best it can be. It helps to set goals you may not have known you needed or thought you could achieve.

It helps to understand that there’s always going to be challenges in life and you shouldn’t let them hold you back.

Peer mentoring was like having a role model in my life.

Life After the Cocoon

What have been your biggest achievements since going through the Cocoon Program?

Getting the amazing apartment I’m living in now has been one of my biggest achievements, as well as learning to live independently. I’ve also enrolled into university to study Justice and I’m so excited about this.

The Cocoon has helped me settle, find my forever home and focus on making a life for myself.

What does life look like for you now?

I love my life.

I’m living in a house I can live in forever if I want to, I finally feel secure in my life and I’m happy. I’ll be studying at uni soon and I’m searching for a job. I feel super hopeful about my future and all the things I’ll achieve. I’ll never forget my time and skills I learned at the Cocoon.

Help Us Give Homelessness the Boot

Here for a short time, but made for a lasting impact. For every Bridge It Bobbi Boot sold, we’ll be donating 20% of sales to help provide a safe home to young women at risk of homelessness, and continue the transformative work of Bridge It.

 

 

Did you know? This week is Homelessness Week (5th August - 11th August) so it’s the perfect time to pick up a pair to wear (or give to someone!) in support of Bridge It’s mission of ending youth homelessness.