Conversations, care and coming back to life
Rebecca experienced many of the successes of her life independently.
As a child growing up in the United Kingdom, she attended boarding school on a scholarship. Upon completing further studies, she moved abroad to Australia where she rose up to senior leadership roles.
She never could have imagined how her life would be forever changed after she was assaulted in her home.
As the world around her unravelled, Rebecca sought to numb her pain with substances, eventually leading to years of addiction and periods of homelessness.
Rebecca had made a life independently, but in a time of crisis – and without a strong support system to draw on – she ended up losing herself.
“I didn’t know that help was there,” Rebecca reflects.
Using her savings and superannuation to get by initially, Rebecca shut herself off from friends and family, all the while her substance usage became all consuming.
Spending many years in a volatile cycle of addiction while waiting for a place in rehab to become available, Rebecca was put in contact with services that could advocate alongside her and help to navigate support systems.
One of those services was the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW supports thousands of people each year through our members. These are people who know their local communities well and generously lend a hand up to people facing hardship and disadvantage.
The support Rebecca received from our members helped to meet her immediate needs with food, clothing and eventually furnishing a home. Crucially, our members took the time to hear Rebecca’s story and make her feel seen.
“They sat with me for an hour and just talked to me. I didn’t have people in my life at that point that I could trust.”
“They were so beautiful to me, I saw how lovely they were to other people and the care that they gave them.”
“I’d go and see the members, and they’d always laugh because I really liked the instant mashed potato. I’d be asking for that! And then they’d let me go through and see what toiletries there were.
“They’re the little things that make you value yourself.”
Having the support of organisations like the Society NSW has helped Rebecca to take steps in rebuilding her life.
She has recently completed a 28-day stay in residential rehabilitation and is working with a psychologist and employment coach with an eye towards re-entering the workforce.
Our members have also stepped up once again to register her car so she can attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings multiple times a week as part of her recovery.
“It wasn’t until I went to rehab that I actually saw myself start to come back to life.”
“I’ve walked in shoes that I never could have imagined. I’ve walked next to people wearing shoes that I hope I never have to imagine.
“It’s only in the last few weeks that I feel that the real Rebecca is still there.”
People need a helping hand in times of hardship. The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW was the hand up Rebecca needed and your generosity will ensure that our members can continue to be there for people throughout the state.
“I’ve learned to reach out to support. Even if it’s just for a conversation, now I’m surrounded by support.”