Written stories
Belonging
My words,
on text for ages to come
my deeds,
both silent and lovingly done
lessons,
given by people most kind
busses,
well run and always on time
celebration,
for the Recovery Day
creation,
while I was working away
kindess,
from all the people I met
meetings,
to see that all needs are set
and,
all that I am left to say is that I am...
thankful,
for A Place to Belong
Andrew Janson Welles
Andrew, a College student visiting from the USA, spent some of his summer vacation time with A Place to Belong. This poem reflects something of his experience.
Theresa Davis
Volunteering: Theresa says “it’s what I want to do”
Rewarding reflection from a part - time university social work student who began work as a volunteer when she had finished a university placement at A Place to Belong.
Stephen Heap
Early in 2004 I was living a reclusive life in my unit, struggling daily and painfully with my mental health. The only time that I would leave the unit was for a fortnightly shop accompanied by my brother, and the occasional visit to see my case-manager. To venture out into the front yard to collect the mail caused me pain and stress and required a great summoning of strength and nerve. Using public transport was a huge challenge and travelling invariably caused me major panic attacks (I would need to get off the bus way before it was anywhere near reaching my destination.)
David & Narelle
“This is not McDonald’s mate”
A reflection on a visit to a mental health unit in Brisbane in 2002
“I knew this wasn’t McDonald’s fast food where you get in a line and you will be serviced…but in my wildest dreams I never imagined waiting seven and a half hours!”
“It’s been an invaluable experience. Hearing the person's story and then having some pretty open discussion about how our lives can be different has given me hope”.
~ Comment from participant at a Sunday afternoon workshop