Shannon - Brisbane Youth Service

Shannon’s experience has inspired her to help future generations of young people know they are not alone and to encourage them to seek support.

I am an Aboriginal, Wakka Wakka woman. Born and raised in Inala, I first left home at 18. I spent the next two and half years in and out of prison and was released in November 2019. I have now been out for nearly two years and live on the Northside in my own unit that Ella from Brisbane Youth Service helped me get.

I work with BYS for appointments, counselling, support and pretty much anything I need. BYS help me get around Brisbane to go to important appointments.

I’m clean now. I was an addict for seven years, but I’ve been clean for three months now. I engage with my job agency because I want to work and study Mental Health Peer Support at College. I suffer mental health disabilities and take medication regularly.

I want to help the younger generations to get the support that is out there and know they are not alone. I don’t ant them to go down the same path as me because it is a hike to get out.