Home of renewed hope for young women
The transformation of a St Kilda property into a "Cocoon" by not-for-profit organisation Bridge It with the support of Dulux is providing a temporary home for 16 women aged 17-21 who have experienced homelessness or the out-of-home care system.
Cocoon: A place to reset, learn life skills and embark on adulthood
Nurturing emotions through art
The Cocoon is a safe space for these women to recover, stabilise, develop life and living skills, and prepare for long-term housing.
Dulux was proud to support the interior painting of Cocoon and the talented First Nations artist Emma Hollingsworth to paint her mural, which she hopes creates a sense of happiness, peace and calm in this new space for young women.
"I love using vibrant colors. It invokes a feeling of happiness and so that's really important because a lot of my work is also linked to mental health. They're very vulnerable, they've been through you know lots of things and women should have a safe space to go to."
Emma Hollingsworth (Mulganai), Indigenous Australian artist.
Bridging the gap
"We wanted to play a role in ending youth homelessness in Australia. We knew what was needed and that's supportive and safe housing for young women for longer.
"We know that Aboriginal young people are much more likely to experience the out-of-home-care system and be removed from their families as children. It was really important to us to create a space that felt friendly and welcoming to our First Nations young people."
Carla Raynes, CEO and founder, Bridge It.
Cocoon mural palette
Cocoon transformation
Bridge It worked with the owner of the St Kilda property, Housing First, to refresh the space.