Pattie joined ACSO as a Peer Support Worker in March of this year, although she’s been sharing her lived experience for much longer. Pattie’s role with ReConnect is pivotal in supporting people transitioning from custody to community life, offering a unique blend of personal experience and professional dedication.
I initially joined ACSO on the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) in 2021 and in March this year, I stepped into a peer support worker role with ReConnect. I knew that stepping into this role would be both challenging and rewarding. As a peer support worker, I collaborate with a dedicated team of Forensic Case Workers, providing direct support to participants reentering the community after their release from custody. This support can take various forms—whether it’s working alongside their case worker or independently, through phone calls, video chats, or face-to-face meetings. I assist with community engagement, employment pathways, and much more. Sometimes, participants just need someone to listen, and I’m here to lend an ear.
I’m a social and outgoing person, so working in a team environment is something I thrive on. Collaborating with colleagues who bring different skills and experiences to the table helps me learn and grow. Achieving goals together brings immense satisfaction, and celebrating our successes as a team is always a highlight.
Peer workers play a crucial role in building mutual relationships that foster hope and optimism. By sharing our own experiences of overcoming adversity, we can inspire empowerment and self-determination in others. It’s about creating connections and showing that change is possible.
Having been incarcerated myself, I deeply understand the challenges of transitioning from custody to the community. I know firsthand the difficulties of finding employment with a CRN, coming out of custody without an ID or bank account, and navigating the complexities of reconnecting with family. While everyone’s experience is unique, there are common struggles that many participants face, and I can relate to those.
Before joining ACSO, I spent many years in the corporate sector. It was exciting at first, but it eventually became unfulfilling because it was all about profit. After my release, I started volunteering with various Lived Experience Panels including LEAP, advocating for systematic change. My role at ACSO allows me to directly support individuals based on my own life experiences, which is a more personal and impactful approach. I love that I can make a real difference in someone’s transition into the community.
One of the most rewarding moments in my new role was when I shared my experience of reintegrating into the community after losing many friends and family. I spoke about my involvement with BSWAC, a volunteer organisation connected to RMIT that includes students and former inmates working on advocacy and community engagement. This group gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. After hearing my story, a participant was inspired to join the group, showing the power of shared experiences.
“I feel that the person I’ve been trying to hide is exactly the person I am able to be at ACSO. I don’t have to hide my background anymore; my experience is being used for good.”
Working with men exiting custody, I wasn’t sure how they would receive me. To my surprise, the connection has been amazing. They relate to me well, and we often share funny prison stories, which can be great icebreakers!
Outside of work, I love going to the theatre and live gigs. I’m also a real foodie, so I enjoy exploring different culinary experiences.
Everyone has a story, and sometimes wrong choices lead people into the criminal justice system. But at their core, they are human beings who need support to make a change and start anew. Our tagline encapsulates this understanding and commitment.
If you’re curious about my work, come have a chat! I’d love to share more about my experiences in this role.
