The path to rehabilitation cannot be walked alone. It takes a community.
As part of her rehabilitation journey, Tracey* is thriving after surrounding herself with a new and healthy community network through the encouragement and support of Jagriti Foundation.
“The people in my newfound community are like angels. They are so accepting and non-judgmental. They really just want the best for me, and to help me take positive steps forward in my life. They come from lots of different generations and ethnicities with various backgrounds, education and family circumstances.”
Tracey says she has been offered a range of positive new experiences through her fresh-start community.
“We attend the local church together, go on group walks, and swim at the beach. One person is even an earth scientist, so they have helped me to upskill with growing my own vegetables at home.”
Tracey has also been involved in voluntary work, which she says gives her an encouraging sense of purpose.
“It feels really good. It’s nice to do something beneficial for the community and those around me, instead of just receiving help myself. My church and I started a food donation box at the supermarket which goes to people in need. I also started helping to make sandwiches for one of the local school sports teams each week.”
“On top of this, I’ve enrolled in a bee keeping course as part of a community project. I’m extremely grateful to this amazing community who have offered me the chance to learn new things like this and feel accepted and valued.”
For those looking to break away from challenges and explore the development of a new, positive community, Tracey has some valuable advice.
“Don’t be hesitant to accept support offered to you, and don’t shut people out that are trying to help. Be open-minded. There are good people that want to be there for you. It’s so hard to understand at first that there are people who just want to offer love, support and community…but it is true.
“I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support I’ve received. Community support is extremely important for a rehabilitation journey. Life changes are so much stronger when an authentic, caring, kind, and supportive community surrounds you and believes in you.”
*Names have been changed to protect the individual’s privacy.