Marco’s recovery story
Rebuilding confidence, connection and hope
‘I’m happy. I’m just…Marco. I’m myself again.’
A few years ago, Marco was living with the effects of psychosis and had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. After a period of hospitalisation and support through early intervention services, he arrived at Momentum Queens Park (MQP), a service run by Richmind WA.
Marco is now rebuilding his sense of safety and security and is working to regain control of his life.
Finding safety and connection
When he first arrived at MQP, Marco described himself as quiet, reserved and unsure of his place. ‘I was very head-low and quiet…I wasn’t myself.’
Before Richmind WA, Marco had experienced instability in both housing and mental health support settings. He was referred to Richmind WA through his early psychosis care team. On arrival at MQP, he remembers feeling nervous, but also quickly noticing something different about the environment. ‘The staff and everything; they broke the ice straight away. I was very nervous, but all the residents and the staff, especially the staff, were so caring and nurturing. You don’t get that in any other place.’ He said.
Over time, that sense of safety began to grow into something more stable and familiar. ‘It doesn’t feel like a psychiatric hostel. It feels like another house, like a family.’
A turning point in recovery
In the early months, Marco focused on settling in and rebuilding his sense of self. With consistent support from staff and his key support worker, he gradually began to open up. ‘After about four or five months, multiple conversations with the Service Manager, Gareth and staff and engaging with my key worker leading up to my recovery, I really had a breakthrough and got out of my shell.’
Marco describes Richmind WA as different from other services he has experienced. ‘In mental health, it can be very institutionalised, and Richmind WA does it differently. There’s a bond, you feel like you’re part of something.’
For Marco, that sense of connection was deeply meaningful. ‘It brought me back to my roots, opened me up, closed old wounds.’
Rebuilding confidence and purpose
Over time, Marco began to notice real changes in his day-to-day life. He became more engaged, more confident and more connected to others in the community. ‘I can engage in the community, which I couldn’t do before. I couldn’t go to the shops by myself without being anxious or paranoid.’
He also began thinking about the future in a more concrete way, including studying and working in the community services sector.
‘I thought I was messed up for the rest of my life. But I don’t know; it’s magic. It truly is magic.’
Looking ahead
Marco is now focused on building on his recovery through study, volunteering and future employment pathways, including plans to complete a Community Services qualification and gain experience in support work. ‘In five years, I hope to see myself independent. In two years, I hope to see myself working a job. I want to be a support worker.’
Reflecting on his time with Richmind WA, he describes it as life changing. ‘I’m so grateful to be here. It’s probably the most life-changing thing and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.’
For Marco, recovery has been about more than stability. It has been about rediscovering his identity, rebuilding confidence and finding a sense of belonging again. With the right support, magic is possible. Help make recovery possible for more Western Australians. Please support Richmind WA today.
