Mike

When an unfair eviction left him living in a tent, Mike was linked into services through a Support Facilitator with the Partners in Recovery Program who helped him find appropriate accommodation and supports to address his mental and physical health, alcohol and drug issues as well as linked him into community groups.

Mike was linked into services through a friend. He had been evicted from his private rental accommodation and living in a tent in bushland in Canberra's north. Mike, who is 38, is a war veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of his experiences in Afghanistan. At the time, the PTSD symptoms were very disabling and Mike was unable to work. He was self-medicating with alcohol and marijuana. He had lost hope in himself and the possibility of a meaningful future.

The friend contacted the Partners in Recovery (PIR) program for assistance with care coordination, that is, help in linking Mike into the services he needed. A PIR Support Facilitator visited Mike and over time, trust was established and his support needs were addressed.

The PIR worker liaised with legal services who advocated on Mike's behalf, as it emerged he was unfairly evicted from his accommodation. Appropriate housing was organised and, to assist him in maintaining his tenancy, accommodation and tenancy services were put in place.

Mike was also linked to primary care services. Together with a GP, Mike began to address his physical and mental health issues. 

The PIR support facilitator referred Mike to the Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program for recovery support. The PHaMs worker worked closely with Mike in developing a recovery plan. He was supported to join Majura Men's Shed. The supportive and accepting group of men helped Mike settle in and he has started designing and making wooden cabinets.

Mike has also been supported to address his drug and alcohol issues. He is currently receiving counselling with ACT Health's Alcohol and Drug Service. As part of this service, he has also commenced a five-week Mindfulness, Meditation and Stress Management Course.