Cafes and coffee businesses are being urged to turn their daily hot beverage into tangible support for young Australians doing it tough.

Youth Off The Streets are getting set to launch its 2026 Cup of Kindness campaign on October 1, with the initiative being run throughout the month.

Participating cafes will donate $1 from every coffee sold to Youth Off The Streets, helping to fund essential support for children and young people experiencing homelessness and complex disadvantages.

Youth Off The Streets chief executive officer Judy Barraclough said something as simple as a warm drink could be the beginning of meaningful support for a young person in need.

“When a young person visits one of our drop-in centres, one of the first things we often offer is a warm drink and a safe space to sit. Those simple moments help build trust, open important conversations and connect young people with the support they need,” she said.

“That’s why Cup of Kindness is so powerful, and why we’re encouraging cafes, businesses and communities to get involved this October.”

Ms Barraclough said Cup of Kindness began during the pandemic, when many of their traditional fundraising opportunities disappeared overnight – but the need for support didn’t.

“We wanted to create something simple that would allow Australians to turn an everyday ritual into an act of kindness for young people doing it tough. Something as simple as a warm drink could be the beginning of meaningful support for a young person in need,” she said.

Smith St Coffee Roasters has joined the campaign as lead partner, with co-founder Ross Di Biasi saying cafes are often at the heart of their local communities.

“They are places where people connect every day, which makes them a powerful force for good,” he said.

“We’re asking coffee lovers to seek out a participating venue this October, enjoy a great cup of coffee and know that it is helping a young person access much-needed support.”

Youth Off The Streets is expecting to support more than 2000 children and young people this year through crisis accommodation, alternative schools and intensive programs and services, while reaching thousands more through outreach and engagement activities.

You can find more information or register at the Cup of Kindness website.