Green Hearth
Somewhere safe
to pause.
Green Hearth is Project Green Ribbon’s short-stay, family-based sanctuary for youths aged 13–25 who need a calmer place while the next steps are worked out.
What is Green Hearth?
Sometimes a young person just needs a breather.
When things at home or in life become overwhelming, Green Hearth offers temporary space to settle, feel heard and think about what comes next.
We work alongside the young person, family and professionals involved so the stay becomes a bridge to the next step.
When it may help
When the situation needs some breathing room.
Emotional overwhelm
When everything feels too much and a calmer environment may help.
Family conflict
When everyone needs some temporary space before conversations continue.
A difficult transition
When support is being arranged and somewhere stable is needed in between.
The Green Hearth Pathway
A Typical Youth Journey with PGR
High-level phases from first contact to follow-up.
Referral & Triage
Quick-fit check for safety and suitability; no one is left without a response.
See what we do
- Review criteria with referrer; clarify immediacy and risks.
- Agree handover channel and next steps.
Intake & Stabilisation
Short stabilisation window in a safe environment with daily check-ins.
See what we do
- Crisis/risk assessment on arrival.
- Daily wellbeing check-ins and safety planning.
- Involve caregivers where relevant.
Monitoring, Skills & Navigation
Focused period to build coping skills and line up next supports.
See what we do
- Ongoing emotional support.
- Connect to community and services.
- Co-create a short plan for what comes next.
Discharge & Handover
Warm handover to the right longer-term supports with continuity of care.
See what we do
- Finalize placement / care plan with receiving agency.
- Share essentials only; maintain confidentiality.
Post-Stay Follow-Up
Light-touch check-ins to ensure the plan works and adjust if needed.
See what we do
- Brief wellbeing check; troubleshoot gaps.
- Reinforce coping strategies and community links.
Request Green Hearth Support
Start with what is happening.
You do not need to work everything out first. A youth, caregiver or referring professional can begin with the intake request.
Tell us what is happening.
Share the basic details through the intake request.
We review it together.
We look at fit, immediate concerns and the next safe step.
Coordinate the stay.
If Green Hearth is suitable, the arrangements are worked out.
Inside Green Hearth
A home-like space on purpose.
Green Hearth is intended to feel ordinary, calm and lived-in — somewhere a young person can sleep, eat, talk, rest and regroup without feeling as though they have entered another institution.
Green Hearth
Community partners
Safety & support
Safe, supported and still human.
Green Hearth has practical safeguards in place while keeping the environment as home-like and respectful as possible.
See the emergency escalation pathway
- Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest appropriate facility.
- Update immediate family on the situation.
- Coordinate with the assigned caseworker.
- In critical cases, collaborate with IMH, SKGH or TTSH as appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions before reaching out?
For youths, parents, caregivers and referring professionals.
Who can request Green Hearth support?
A youth, caregiver or referring professional can make a request. Green Hearth supports youths aged 13–25.
Is Green Hearth a walk-in shelter?
No. Requests are reviewed first so we can understand the situation, immediate concerns and suitability.
How long can someone stay?
Green Hearth stays may be supported for up to 14 days.
Is every referral accepted?
No. Each request is considered individually based on suitability, safety and available arrangements.
Is Green Hearth free?
Not every stay is fully funded by PGR.
Current arrangements include a PGR-funded initial stay, co-payment with the referring agency, and donor-funded stays.
How does co-payment with a referring agency work?
Under this arrangement, PGR supports 7 days and the referring agency supports 7 days.
Can a donor fund the full stay?
Yes. Where donor funding is available, the full 14-day stay may be donor-funded.
Are parents, caregivers or social workers involved?
They may be involved where appropriate. Green Hearth works alongside the wider network supporting the young person rather than operating as an isolated service.
What facilities are available?
Green Hearth includes ordinary home facilities such as sleeping rooms, living and dining areas, kitchen and pantry, laundry facilities, toilets and showers, and shared recreational areas.
Is there CCTV?
CCTV is used in common and shared areas for safety and accountability. It is not installed in toilets or shower areas.
What if urgent medical or psychiatric care is needed?
Green Hearth is not an emergency medical facility. If needs escalate, the young person can be connected with appropriate medical support while family and the assigned caseworker are coordinated as appropriate.
What happens after the stay?
The typical pathway includes discharge planning, handover to longer-term support and post-stay follow-up where needed.
Not sure whether Green Hearth is the right fit?
Start by telling us what is happening. We can work out the next step together.