Our Place, an Upcoming Initiative for local youth
Creating Safe Spaces. Building Real Connection.
Every afternoon across Launceston, young people gather in the city or local shopping centres after school—many with nowhere safe or stable to go. Our Place is Teen Challenge Tasmania’s community-based response: a safe, welcoming space outside the school setting, where students can relax, connect with trusted adults and feel supported while they wait for buses or spend time with peers.
We're building bridges of hope—one afternoon at a time.
What Is Our Place?
Our Place is a drop-in initiative designed for young people aged 10–18. Staffed by trained volunteers, mentors and caring adults, it's a safe and consistent environment offering old-fashioned fun, real conversation and meaningful connection.
We're not running a program—we're creating presence. A calm, supportive space where young people feel seen and valued.
Two Locations, One Purpose
Our Place – Launceston CBD
Located in the Teen Challenge Tasmania building at 90 St John Street, this site is designed to support students using the CBD bus interchange. With increasing concern around negative influences and unsafe interactions at city bus stops, Our Place – CBD will offer students a safe alternative—somewhere to wait, do homework, chat and unwind before heading home.
Our Place – Prospect Marketplace
Many students spend time socialising at Prospect Marketplace after school. Our Place – Prospect will be based in a shopfront space inside the centre, where trained volunteers will engage students in relaxed games, conversation and low-key mentoring. We’ll also support local businesses by purchasing small food or drinks for students actively engaging in the space.
Both locations will operate Monday to Friday from 3:00–6:00pm.
How It Works
Trained adult volunteers (mentors, youth leaders, chaplains, retirees) are rostered in small teams each afternoon.
Students can play games like UNO, Scrabble or Chess, do homework or simply chat.
The environment is respectful, relational and low-pressure.
All volunteers are screened and trained in child safety, boundaries and trauma-informed care.
We are working closely with local schools, police youth liaison, council and Metro Tasmania to ensure community alignment and support.
We Need Volunteers
Our Place can’t happen without people like you.
We're currently recruiting volunteers to help launch this initiative. You don’t need to be a youth worker—just someone who can listen, engage kindly and show up consistently.
One afternoon a fortnight could help change a young person’s story.
Click here to register your interest
Training provided. Child safety screening required.
For Schools, Parents & Community Partners
We’re actively engaging with schools whose students frequent these locations. We’re committed to transparency, child safety and communication with families. Updates will be shared via school channels and social media and we welcome referrals or input from educators and parents.
Want to Learn More?
To arrange a conversation or request a briefing for your school, organisation or church:
Contact Tanya Cavanagh
Executive Director – Teen Challenge Tasmania
📧 tanya@teenchallengetasmania.org
🌐 www.teenchallengetasmania.org
Together, we can stand in the gap and create Our Place for the next generation.