It was during COVID that my family counsellor linked me into BYS as they thought it would be good for me. They were worried about my relationships and my education.
I originally met with Craig from the Youth Support Program at school. Craig helped me get identification, apply for Centrelink and get into a university course when school finished. The workers taught me mindfulness, to look at things from a different perspective.
They were also like mini counsellors; giving me guidance, someone to talk to in tough times. The appointments provided a break between the week. Sometimes I could be having a bad time and I looked forward to catching up with my workers.
Craig introduced me to Denise from the Health Team. Denise educated me about different substances and their dangers so I could make safe decisions and help others when they needed it. Denise also showed me that I can use sensory things to calm myself down. I was also taught about ‘Hyper’ and ‘Hypo’ arousal, I learnt lots of things.
I also engaged with the Counselling service which helped me feel calm and understand situations, view things in a positive way. Denise and Craig also introduced me to the Adventure Therapy Program which included lots of different challenging activities where the workers helped me to overcome my fears.
It grounded me, I felt more happier every week because it was like another family. I also joined Jill’s Social Groups. I especially loved the music program because music is my passion. I felt like I was getting positive feedback and regularly looked forward to catching up with everyone.
Life is a lot easier to go through now. I feel happier with myself and the things around me. I am about to start work, I attend Uni each week, and make good decisions. I have a different perspective of situations and understand my emotions better.
Shout out to the Adventure Therapy and Music Group, you know who you are.