Our Place, an Initiative for local youth

A Safe Space After School

Creating safe spaces. Building real connection. Changing what after school looks like.

The Gap After School

Each day, young people leave school and step into a gap — the hours between the bell and home.

For some, it’s simple.
For others, it’s a vulnerable window filled with uncertainty, exposure to negative influences or simply no one waiting for them.

Our Place exists to meet them right there.

What Is Our Place?

Our Place is a safe, welcoming space in the Launceston CBD for school students.

It’s not a structured program.
It’s intentional presence.

A place where young people can:

  • Sit, relax and feel safe

  • Talk with trusted adults

  • Play games and connect with others

  • Do homework or simply unwind

  • Grab a snack or a milkshake before heading home

At its heart, Our Place is about connection — making sure no young person feels alone after school.

What We’re Seeing Already

Since opening, the impact has been immediate and deeply encouraging.

Young people are:

  • Choosing to come back regularly

  • Building trust and familiarity

  • Opening up in conversation

  • Forming meaningful relationships

We’re seeing moments like:

  • A young person arriving late — but still coming in just to say hello

  • Students sitting down to talk because someone is there to listen

  • Young people sharing their day because they know someone cares

For many, this is becoming the place where:
someone notices them, welcomes them, and listens.

Why It Matters

The after-school window is one of the most critical times in a young person’s day.

Our Place helps to:

  • Provide a safe alternative to bus stops and public spaces

  • Reduce exposure to risky or negative environments

  • Build connection, belonging and trust

  • Strengthen protective factors through positive relationships

Because prevention doesn’t always look like a program.
Sometimes it looks like a chair, a conversation and someone who shows up.

What a Typical Afternoon Looks Like

Each session is simple, safe and welcoming:

  • Supervised by trained, screened adult volunteers

  • Games like UNO, cards, chess and more

  • Snacks available, plus $2 milkshakes

  • Space to talk, connect or just be

We are currently seeing consistent attendance and growing demand as word spreads among students.

A Growing Community Effort

Our Place is made possible by:

  • Dedicated volunteers

  • Support from schools and families

  • Community partners working alongside us

We are committed to being a child-safe, transparent and trusted space for young people in our community.

Help Us Grow

We are just getting started.

With more volunteers, we can open every school afternoon — reaching more young people at the exact time they need support most.

You don’t need to be an expert.
Just someone willing to:

  • Show up

  • Listen

  • Care

Get Involved

Become a Volunteer
Make a real difference in a young person’s life.


Support Our Place
Help provide snacks, resources and a safe space.


Refer a Young Person
Know someone who would benefit from Our Place?


Our Place

A safe space.
A consistent presence.
A growing community.

And for some young people —
the place they feel most at home.

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.