Lucy | Brisbane Youth Service

Sleeping rough and using alcohol to cope with life, Lucy’s world looked grey before a doctor’s referral to BYS began a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

I was homeless off and on for the course of 3 years. In the beginning, I couch surfed, staying at mates’ places and the homes of kind strangers I would encounter. But unfortunately, that could only last so long. I eventually turned to anyone that would offer shelter for a night just to find a sense of security, for a home was always a safe place in my eyes. This new system would not last and within months I ended up on the streets. Terrified, depleted emotionally, physically, and mentally and beyond exhausted I turned to alcohol as a vice to make my world a little less grey.

BYS came to my aid in early 2014. A doctor I was seeing discovered I was homeless and offered a referral to get assistance with my situation. Not knowing there was support like this was out there I jumped at the first opportunity. At the time I was too independent for my own good, as receiving help and support wasn’t part of my nature. So, encountering this service would prove to be more difficult than expected. But through the kindness and gentle push of BYS workers I was propelled onto a path of self-discovery and transformation.

BYS helped with many problems I faced over the years, pushing me out of my comfort zone and into a new way of life that will benefit me for years to come. They provided me with housing and a safe place to call home, a friendly face to talk to in troubling times, alcohol and drugs support that helped me to become sober and transform my relationships with substances, and counselling that led me on the path of self-healing and allowed wide opportunity for self-growth.

I am now 25 years old and while I still have a long way to go on this journey of self-healing, I am beyond grateful for the foundation BYS has helped me build. They have helped me reclaim my power and give me drive and purpose to live a fulfilling and abundant life.

“I eventually turned to anyone that would offer shelter for a night just to find a sense of security, for a home was always a safe place in my eyes. This new system would not last and within months I ended up on the streets. Terrified. depleted emotionally, physically, and mentally and beyond exhausted I turned to alcohol as a vice to make my world a little less grey.”