Alanaa | Brisbane Youth Service

Imagine yourself at the age of 17. You and your five month old son have fled from an unhealthy relationship, you have no social or family support to help you, and are left with no home. This was the start of my journey.

Although this time was stressful, I was aware that my son needed safety, security and stability. I didn’t lose motivation and was determined to provide him a home. I worked with Brisbane Youth Service’s Centre for Young Families and secured housing.

Like many of the parents working with Centre for Young Families, once I felt stable and secure, I was able to identify other areas of my life that I needed support with such as mental health, socialisation, attachment and parenting skills and education. I engaged in one-on-one case managed support to work through these difficulties. Working one-on-one has given me the support that I never really had. I feel comfortable to freely speak my mind.

My son and I began attending the weekly parenting group. Being part of this group made my situation seem more normal. I got to meet other mums and see other people’s situations. I no longer felt like the black sheep. Through this group, I have been able to get advice around parenting and my son has thoroughly enjoyed getting up to mischief with the other children at group.

I look forward to continuing this journey and planning for my future. I am now in a healthy relationship and my partner and I are expecting a child together in the new year. I would like to spend the next couple of years enjoying being a mum and I now feel empowered to get back into beauty therapy and hairdressing.