Buckhouse has been an opportunity to turn things around, from self-medicating at the age of 18, to getting the most out of my life!
At the point of feeling suicidal following the loss of people I loved in my life, when my best mate took his own life in 2000, it shocked me into asking myself, ‘what can I do better?’ I had been living in boarding houses, until Flourish Australia’s Buckingham House team helped me to find stable accommodation and refocus on setting goals for the life I wanted to create.
My first step was to quit risky behaviours and value my life. With their assistance, I secured an NDIS package and set about working toward work and study goals I’d set myself.
It’s been a very hard road so far but I know it will get easier. It makes a world of difference to now live in a nice house in Glebe, thanks to tailored support I’ve received. I can get to the City quickly and I’m minutes from the water and Sydney Fish Markets.
As I’ve grown more self-sufficient, having a housemate who’s pretty cruisy helps with sharing the rent.
When I was recently diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I let the Buckhouse Team know and they worked with me to adapt my supports to what I wanted. I’ve never allowed the diagnosis to define who I am but it was helpful for me to put a name to what I was going through.
Flourish Australia assisted me to find part time work I enjoy, with a view to a full time career. The benefits of having meaningful work go far beyond just getting paid! It’s so rewarding to feel I’m making a valued contribution to the community I belong to.
Another goal is giving back to the Salvation Army, who I’ve had a lot of involvement with over the years. Their strong focus on charity is something I feel is vital to support the church to provide.
As I get back in touch with what really matters to me, writing has been an amazing outlet. As a kid, I wrote fiction. Now, I prefer something more poetic and philosophical. I’m proud to say I’ve won two awards for my poetry and displayed many pieces at Flourish Australia’s Surry Hills service.
Being invited to submit a piece of writing to the Another Door Opens art exhibition at Buckhouse inspired me to create a short work highlighting the way much of the community views those of us experiencing mental health issues, or homelessness, as though we’re pigeons – something they’d just as soon see go away.
Feedback on the night was so encouraging! This is the year I intend to finally write my novel! Wish me luck!
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