Stories from people we support
Kym speaks up
Just before she embarked on her new journey interstate, we sat down with our Women’s Service resident Kym to talk about how she found herself facing homelessness. “I moved to Perth from Melbourne because I had lived here previously and thought there would be more opportunity for work – less …
Carissa’s journey of hope
After falling in with the wrong crowd in her early teens, Carissa was drinking by the age of 14 and expelled from high school. By making better choices, she returned to school and graduated in 2005 with a Certificate III in Community Services, going on to work in childcare for …
Robbie’s story
Robbie’s story is one of resilience and determination, and one we really wanted to share with our St Bart’s community. Robert “Robbie” North came to St Bart’s in October 2019, at the age of 33. As a child, he suffered burns to 85 per cent of his body which has …
Teresa pays it forward
Meet the lovely Teresa, who joined us at St Bart’s towards the end of 2019 as her mental health began to decline. We sat down with her for a quick chat about how she came to St Bart’s and her journey so far. Here’s her story: Towards the end of …
Karlene’s world of colour
My name is Karlene and art has helped me to push past some really hard times in my life. I have my own way of expressing my feelings through art, and it’s just one of the things that is helping me with my recovery. I identify as LGBTIQ and you …
Starting over at St Bart’s
“My life has had its fair share of trauma, hurdles and setbacks,” admits Athol, who has received support from St Bart’s for almost nine months. “But St Bart’s has enabled me to start over, get back on my feet and begin putting one foot in front of the other again. …
Art that breaks down the boundaries
Currently residing at our Women’s Service, Yolanda has experienced mental health challenges for a number of years. She isn’t letting that get in the way of her art and the therapeutic benefits it provides her. “When I’m painting, I don’t notice the change in personalities,” says Yolanda. “I like bringing …
Michael’s story
Michael has struggled with the effects of negative thoughts throughout his life, however, it was after separating from his wife in 2012 when things started to get really bad. Arriving in Perth in February 2018 without any photo ID, he found shelter at 55 Central Crisis Accommodation before coming to …