Tahlia* | Brisbane Youth Service

Before I got in touch with BYS I was residing with my mother, who then at the time packed up and moved back to our hometown.

Going back home wasn’t an option for me due to the drug and drinking challenges I faced while living there, so I decided to stay. I slept on my friends’ couches for weeks, even at my ex-partner’s mother’s little accommodation. I lost my job due to severe mental health problems; I had no money and a lot of debts. During my long-term relationship I had experienced domestic violence.

When first contacting BYS I met up with Michael who did all the paperwork with me and got me set up with emergency accommodation, pretty much straight away. Ella was my first support worker and Bec soon became my DV case worker.

Then I had Alice, she was the one who sat there and listened to all my problems and helped me in every way she possibly could. She was so excited when I got the news about moving into my own place and she helped me get most of everything that I needed. She was not only my support worker but also someone I felt was close enough that I could confide and trust in.

I now have Amy and Shayne, I haven’t been with them for long but they have impacted my life so much already and helped me get a head start to achieve the things I want to do to move forward with my life. I started to get my life together, not only for me but for my son too. My mental and physical health have changed dramatically. I started to believe in myself not only as a woman but as a mother.

Life as of now is starting to look up for me, I finally have my own house, my son in kindy and I’m a full-time student at TAFE doing my Cert IV in Youth Work. All these ladies have inspired me to follow my heart and look for a career in doing this work, helping and supporting young individuals such as myself.

As for the future, I hope to strive and make the most of my time and knowledge to make something really great of myself and to make my kids proud.

As much as I’ve learnt in such little time, these workers will help and support you in every way you can imagine. Even if you feel like no one is on your side and the world is against you, they make you feel safe and cared for, like you have a voice and a purpose in this world.

*Name has been changed for privacy.