AT ACSO, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT FURTHER DRIVES OUR PASSION FOR OUR WORK IS HEARING SOME OF THE INCREDIBLE STORIES FROM CLIENTS WE WORK WITH. WE LOVE HEARING ABOUT ACSO TEAM MEMBERS GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND, AND WE WANT TO CELEBRATE IT – BECAUSE LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER’S SUCCESSES ONLY MAKES OUR PROGRAMS AND OUR TEAM STRONGER AS A WHOLE.
Louis became a resident of Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) as a 19-year-old transgender male with complex diagnoses and challenges. Since he was not from Bendigo, navigating his way around was one of his first hurdles. With the help of the staff, Louis completed travel training and soon mastered the Bendigo transport system. Initially, Louis spent a lot of time isolating himself, minimally attending programs, and engaging in significant non-suicidal self-injury. Over time, however, he gained confidence in being himself and embarked on his transitioning journey, supported every step of the way by the staff.
At YRR, staff support residents in coping with and managing their mental health and other needs, building practical life skills and confidence for independent living, maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends, and participating in education, vocational training, employment, and other community activities.
During his time at YRR, Louis engaged in various activities with his NDIS supports. He participated in outreach programs, worked with Righteous Pups, Blue Feathers, the Salvation Army Garden, took driving lessons, attended TAFE, and joined respite camps, among other activities.
In feedback to the staff, Louis stated:
“I learned to communicate my needs, I can now engage with others, and I have even made friends.”
This feedback deeply touched the staff, knowing the challenges Louis overcame.
Upon exiting our service, Louis provided additional feedback on his time at YRR. When asked if the residential psychosocial rehabilitation support had made a positive change in his life, Louis replied, “Indeed it did, I’m like a whole new, less miserable person.”
When asked if the program helped him manage his mental illness, he said, “Yes, I feel much better at being able to properly address and voice things now.”
When asked if the program helped him develop social relationships and connections, he responded, “Indeed, I have improved at communicating and made friends. Yippee.”
Louis built a wonderful support network around him, including his psychologist, NDIS support coordinator and worker, Occupational Therapist (OT), Youth Mental Health (YMH) team, and, of course, residential house staff.
He expressed to the staff that he is leaving “having a life worth living. The future is bright, and I think after all this time I’m actually beginning to look forward to it. All thanks to you guys, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
When given the option to provide feedback about the service delivery, Louis stated, “You guys are lifesavers. Thank you for having me here. It’s been a memorable 20 months, and I hope to keep furthering myself even more in the time to come. I really appreciate what you guys and this program have done for me.”
Through his hard work and the support from the staff, Louis has exited our service as a confident, capable, and future-focused young man. He is now attending TAFE and has moved to other housing in Bendigo with his best friend, Boz the Greyhound.
