I have lived in community all my life. I used to drink and smoke excessively as a way of dealing with the problems in my life. I thought the alcohol was helping me, but I could feel my life going out of control.
I was very angry when I was first told to attend conference. I was initially very unhappy about having my income managed when the Commissioners made this decision at the conference. I have now changed my mind, as having my income managed means that I always have money on my BasicsCard to buy food, and I have opened a savings account.
The Commissioners also arranged for me to have a case plan and attend the Wellbeing Centre here in community. The staff at the Wellbeing Centre are a great source of support, and I continue to go there when I need to talk to someone.
I am very proud that I have successfully completed the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Services (ATODS) program and have learnt other strategies to deal with stress, like talking about the problems, finding other ways to relax, and not worrying about things that I have no control over.
I am also now working three days a week, and I enjoy going to work and feel proud when I have done a good job. I voluntarily joined the Women’s Group so I could share my story and seek support from the other women in community.
I enjoy spending time with my four children, playing with them and watching movies. It feels good to have a little bit of extra money tucked away for a rainy day.
I am planning for the future, which includes moving out of the house that I share with extended family members. I want to move into my own house. I enjoy the outdoors, and one day I would like to be a ranger or work as a landscaper.
I have obtained a learner’s driver’s licence and I am working towards getting my provisional licence. I now have a lot of reasons to smile.
