Paul - Recovery is what works for you

I gained the life skills needed to enjoy living independently in a home of my own, through Flourish Australia’s HASI Plus program.

I joined the program in 2019 when I was discharged from Morisset Hospital, where Flourish Australia staff used to visit me during my recovery. Within three years I was able to make my goal of stepping out into a 2 bedroom unit of my own a reality. When the team first took me to see the property I could get through social housing, I didn’t hesitate to say ‘Yes, I’ll take it!”

The team have been so helpful with so many things along the way, from assisting me with filling out my NDIS forms to encouraging me to go after my goals.

Life has become very busy and fulfilling but when I can find time I like to pop into the Flourish Australia day-to-day living centre in Newcastle where I can catch up with friends over a game of pool and be part of the community activities, or just have a chat with the Peer Workers.

I feel super proud of everything I’ve achieved for myself since connecting with Flourish Australia. It’s awesome seeing my parents all smiles to see me thriving. It’s made a big difference to all of our lives.

I’m managing really well with my mental health. I’ve learned that even if I still hear voices from time to time, it’s just a voice and has no real power over me.

I just needed to work out coping strategies that worked best for me.

An important part of my recovery has been my work as a medical packager for the past few years. I’ve built a supportive network of good mates around me at the factory which makes me feel even happier about my new found freedom.

My life goals now are to visit family in the Philippines, where I have aunties and uncles, and adopt a cat to keep me company at home. My bigger picture plans include one day working in Medical Device Design, having completed an online course toward this a while back. In preparation, I’m using the second bedroom in my flat as a workshop for my designs and will ask Flourish Australia for advice and support to make this happen.

I couldn’t be happier with how far I’ve come in my journey and with a little support, I have high hopes for the future.