Abbi’s recovery story
By donating to Richmind WA, you can help support Western Australians to recover and have the opportunity to realise their dreams and aspirations.
‘I’m the best version of myself I’ve ever been.’
Just a few years ago, Abbi was homeless, struggling with addiction and unable to imagine a future for herself. Today, she has her own home, multiple jobs, a close support network and dreams of one day opening her own mechanic workshop. With support from Richmind WA, she was able to begin rebuilding her life.
At Richmind WA, we believe nobody should have to face these challenges alone.
Abbi’s recovery story
From just 11 years old, Abbi has lived a troubled life.
She was bullied at school and endured psychosis and hospitalisation for her mental health challenges. She experienced domestic abuse and lived on the streets, using drugs and alcohol to cope.
She lived with paranoia and was terrified, and she felt abandoned by family and others.
Then she took the first courageous steps on her recovery journey: she went to rehab and was referred to Richmind WA’s Momentum Queens Park. With support from Richmind WA, recovery became possible.
Richmind WA’s Momentum Queens Park (MQP) service supports young people facing homelessness by coordinating health services with other essential services. It provides holistic mental health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support in a safe, family environment. The service is led by a compassionate team guided by lived experience, which provides the stability and hope for the future that many young people have not had for a long time.
Abbi reflected that her initial goals were immense: ‘I wanted to change the way I dealt with myself, mentally and physically, and build a future. I wanted to work. I wanted to get better. But I had to do the work as well. Staff can help you, but they can’t do it for you. I tell residents that it’s their life and their mental health. It’s okay to have those “tsunami” moments, but don’t dwell. Even now, if I have tough times, I sit in it, feel it, and move on. And if it creeps into a couple of days, I reach out and reset.’
She went on to say, ‘With mental health challenges, I know personally how much it can overtake you. But if you want control and you want to live a good life, you can do it; you’ve just got to put in the work. I denied a lot of things at first, even my own diagnosis. Now I’m loud and proud about it. I was really shy and not myself, very reserved. Now, I’m always asking people if they’re okay, even if I don’t know them. I see homeless people, and I’ll say, “I hope you’re okay.” I used to be so scared…but I’ve grown confidence and self-esteem, and now I don’t care what people think. If they have an opinion, that’s okay, but I’m allowed to disagree.’
Abbi’s bright future
After a long recovery journey and with the support of MQP, Abbi has left the program and is thriving, living in her own house with her dog. ‘I’m saving, I’m much better with money, and I’ve built a circle of genuine friends that I reach out to when I need to. I’m the best version of myself I’ve ever been. It took me a long time to get here.” Abbi told us. ‘Soon I’m going to Paris, London, Ireland and Edinburgh.
When I get back, I want to keep saving and eventually buy a small house. I’m working multiple jobs: at a café, pet sitting, delivery work and ambassador/lived experience work. Next year, I’m planning to do peer support worker training. I’ve got lots of goals: improving my financial literacy, staying up to date with what’s happening, and one day I’d love to have my own DIY mechanic workshop. I’m going to reach my goals because I’m only allowing positive things into my life.’ she said.
Abbi said at Richmind WA, ‘They gave me chances. They saw potential in me and never gave up on me.’
Across Australia, over 8.5 million people experience mental health challenges, and in Western Australia alone, almost half of us will experience mental distress at some point in our lives.
For more than 50 years, Richmind WA has supported Western Australians experiencing mental health challenges through recovery-focused mental health services, residential recovery services, peer community support, community connection programs, youth support initiatives, creative recovery programs and safe spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued.
And, every day, Richmind WA supports people at different stages of their recovery journey.
For some people like Abbi, that support may mean accessing a safe place to stay during an incredibly difficult period in their lives. For others, it may mean joining a support group after months of isolation.
Or it may mean people can reconnect:
- with community
- with support services
- with confidence and hope
- with creativity and self-expression
- and with the belief that recovery is possible
Everyone’s recovery journey is different, and recovery is rarely instant. It happens slowly, through connection, compassion, practical support and the courage to take one small step at a time.
This End of Financial Year, with your support, Western Australians can access safe, recovery-focused services when they need them most. You can support people like Abbi to recover and give them the courage to shape their own lives.
Because nobody should face this alone.
