AT ACSO, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT FURTHER DRIVES OUR PASSION FOR OUR WORK IS HEARING SOME OF THE INCREDIBLE STORIES FROM CLIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS 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.
In the realm of mental health support, the journey to recovery is often marked by milestones, setbacks, and profound personal growth. Grace, a Youth Psychosocial Recovery Worker (YPRW) with the Youth Outreach Recovery Support (YORS) program, shares a remarkable story of resilience and commitment to change.
YORS, a Mental Health Community Support Service, caters to young individuals aged 16-25 facing mental health challenges or significant psychological distress. Through tailored outreach programs, participants receive the tools and encouragement they need to manage their mental health, cultivate life skills, engage with their communities, and pursue their desired paths to recovery.
Grace’s journey with one such participant began in September 2022, prior to their entry into drug rehabilitation. The participant, navigating the complexities of addiction, grief from losing their father, and the responsibilities of impending parenthood, embodied a determination to rebuild their life.
By October 2023, the participant returned to the YORS program, pregnant with their first child and steadfast in their commitment to sobriety. Grace describes the participant as not just motivated, but proactive in their pursuit of personal growth. Despite the weight of grief and the challenges of addiction, they embarked on a journey of transformation.
Throughout their time with YORS, the participant achieved significant milestones. From obtaining a driver’s license to maintaining sobriety and securing stable housing, each accomplishment marked a step forward in their recovery journey. Grace, alongside the YORS team, facilitated access to essential resources like the L2P Program and housing services, while providing invaluable emotional support.
The participant’s resilience shone brightly even amidst adversity. Despite the initial fear that parenthood might derail their progress, they remained committed to sobriety, recognising the strength they inherited from their late father. Their unwavering determination led to tangible outcomes, including relocating closer to their support network. Grace said:
“I stood beside them on their grief journey and to have watched them grow was an absolute pleasure. With their gained independence, development of their self-advocacy skills, their life experiences and their willpower I truly believe they will achieve great things”
Looking towards the future, the participant aspires to study and work in the community service sector—a testament to their newfound confidence and sense of purpose. Grace reflects on their shared journey with profound admiration, noting the participant’s growth in independence, self-advocacy, and resilience.
In the participant’s own words, expressed with heartfelt gratitude, lies a profound acknowledgement of the impact of Grace’s support:
“At times where I struggled to the point I wanted to give up you always had my back and constantly reassured me that I was strong enough to get through anything life through my way. By far the best support/ worker I have ever had in time of receiving help with my mental health, I wish you all the best. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything.”
Their story is a testament to the transformative power of empathy, support, and walking alongside our clients. Through YORS, individuals like this participant find not just a program, but a dedicated team to walking alongside them on their path to recovery.
ACSO DELIVERS A DIVERSE RANGE OF PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT PEOPLE AT RISK OF ENTERING OR WHO HAVE ALREADY ENTERED THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. THESE SERVICES SPAN THE ENTIRE JUSTICE CONTINUUM FROM PREVENTION TO REHABILITATION, AND OUR TEAMS ARE DEDICATED TO HELPING TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF PEOPLE REPEATEDLY ENTERING THE SYSTEM.
Youth Outreach Recovery Support (YORS) is a Mental Health Community Support Service (MHCSS) for young people aged 16-25 years who are experiencing mental health symptoms or significant psychological distress. As part of the YORS program, young people will receive short to medium term flexible outreach wellbeing support to help them to better manage their mental health, develop practical life skills for independent living and self-care, engage in community life, access other health and social support services they need, and make the journey towards recovery and the life they want. YORS provides support to young people pre and post entry to the Youth Recovery Rehabilitation (YRR) service and as an alternative to a YRR placement.
