Orygen Assist
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Orygen Assist

What is Orygen Assist?

Orygen Assist is a volunteer-run program providing free essential items – such as food, new clothing, and hygiene products – to young people experiencing mental ill-health and their families operating out seven main sites around Melbourne north-west.

Orygen Parkville

  • Volunteer-run shop, operating Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm
  • ​An online ordering and delivery service is available for staff across Orygen/headspace sites in Melton, Werribee, Sunshine, Glenroy, Craigieburn and Orygen@Home Footscray to request items on behalf of young people/families

headspace Melton, Werribee, Sunshine, Glenroy, Craigieburn

  • ​Orygen Assist hub is available at reception on these sites
     

Orygen@Home Footscray

  • ​Stock available on-site

Each month, the program supports around 300 young people and families, distributing more than 2,000 essential items.

Every donation helps ease financial stress and ensures young people and families can access the basics they need to feel supported and cared for.

How you can help

Your contribution can make a real and immediate difference. By donating essential items or placing an online grocery order, you will help us stock our shelves and continue providing practical support to those who need it most.

Order online through Coles

You can send items directly to Orygen Assist by placing an order through Coles Online.

  1. Visit coles.com.au and sign in or create an account.
  2. Choose ‘Delivery’ and use the following address:
    Orygen Youth Health, 35 Poplar Road, PARKVILLE VIC 3052
  3. Select a delivery time during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm).
  4. In ‘Delivery instructions’, write: Deliver to reception, Attn: Orygen Assist.

Most urgent items

  • Healthy snacks (muesli/protein bars, popcorn, dried fruit, nuts)
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen
  • Long-life milk, cereal, soups, pasta, canned goods and rice
  • Masculine underwear (sizes s/m/l)

End-of-year items appreciated

At the end of the year, we like to include some extra treats that help young people and families enjoy a sense of celebration and comfort. If you’re able, please consider adding one or two of these items to your donation:

  • Long-life custard or desserts (pudding cups, jelly, fruit compote)
  • Boxed cookies, biscuits, or snack-sized chocolates
  • Savoury crackers, nuts, and dips
  • Non-alcoholic sparkling drinks or juices
  • Small gifts or self-care items (body wash, lip balm, hand cream)
  • Preserves, spreads, sauces and condiments

 

volunteer profile

Name: Alexis

Role: Orygen Assist on-site volunteer

How did you find out about Orygen and volunteering at Orygen Assist?

I’ve always had a keen interest in what Orygen does and its mission to support young people. One day I found myself browsing the website and saw the volunteer registration page. I liked that it was an open-ended registration and that Orygen would get in touch as opportunities arose and would find something to suit me. My first role was at the Western Bulldogs/Orygen Youth Fest in the West event and after that, I joined the Orygen Assist team on an ongoing basis.

What impact do you see Orygen Assist having on the community?

Orygen Assist provides not only the essentials like underwear, hygiene packs, menstrual packs and food staples, but also some special extras that can bring a smile to someone's face because they weren’t expecting it. We offer spa packs with nail polishes and hair masks, fun patterned socks and at Christmas we had puddings, chocolate sauce and custard.  

What is your favourite part of volunteering?

I like that I can be involved in a team of volunteers who all care about what we’re doing and share the same mission. Lauren, our volunteer coordinator, is so supportive and listens to our ideas for expanding the Orygen Assist offering.

Speaking with the young people who walk in is the best part of my shift. A particular highlight was seeing a young person’s face light up when they found a pair of leather boots in their size. I saw them again a few weeks later and we discussed how much they loved the boots and how they were excited to pack them for an upcoming trip. It made me think about how Orygen’s vision is to support young people to enjoy optimum mental health as they grow into adulthood. 

Learn how to volunteer with the Orygen Assist program HERE.


A huge thank you to Orygen Assist’s 2025-26 grant supporters 
Cleanaway, Change X, Melbourne Airport and Nelson Alexander Charitable Foundation.

A heartfelt thank you to Orygen Assist’s charity partners Foodbank Victoria, Thread Together, Pinchapoo and Rotary Central Melbourne.