Adam | Brisbane Youth Service

I reached out to BYS after my school’s youth worker referred me. They had heard that I was sleeping rough, and they saw that I needed help.

My early years were a rollercoaster of emotions and instability. I never felt like I fit in with my family; it was like I was constantly being pushed away. One day, I’d be kicked out, and the next, I was welcomed back as if nothing had happened. It wasn’t a stable or safe environment, and I started noticing that something was off with my mental health when I was just 8 or 10 years old. I struggled to connect with my peers and family, which made life feel incredibly lonely and difficult.

When I first walked into BYS, I met Michael. For the first time in my life, I felt truly heard and understood. Michael affirmed my experiences and immediately recognised that housing was my biggest obstacle to getting my life back on track. It didn’t take long before I was accepted into Windsor House, which became a turning point in my life.

The night before I moved into Windsor House was one of the worst I’ve ever had. I got into a physical altercation, my phone wasn’t working, and I was cold, sick, and sharing a tent with someone else – I also had a broken arm, so it wasn’t fun! I had no hope left. I went into The Hub, and saw Michael there, frantically trying to tell me that he’s been trying to reach me all day to tell me my referral to Windsor House was accepted. Of course, he didn’t know my phone wasn’t working.

Since then, my friendships have improved, my mental health is finally getting better rather than worse for the first time, and I’ve regained my sense of self-worth. The support I’ve received has helped me realise that I’m stronger than I thought. I keep moving forward by remembering where I was, where I am now, and where I want to go. I’ve healed a lot, and not much can bring me down anymore. Feeling safe, both physically and emotionally, has been crucial. At Windsor House, I can be myself—something I’ve never experienced before.

Life now is completely different. I’m on track to finish school by the end of next year, which is something I never thought would be possible. I also work as a lifeguard one day a week. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve gone from being a potential high school dropout to someone who’s on track to graduate. I’ve also managed to maintain employment, something I couldn’t do before because of my mental health struggles.

Looking to the future, I’ve always had a passion for music and an interest in youth work. My time at Windsor House has confirmed that I have the ability to help others in the same way I’ve been helped.

To anyone reading this, especially if you’ve been in my shoes: stay strong, no matter how hard it gets. If you let your demons take control, it’s hard to come back. Life will throw you curveballs, but the pain from this is always temporary. Ride the wave and come out on top.