Paul and Sue

With the help of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service and a Support Facilitator with the Partners in Recovery program, Paul is receiving the services he needs to address his alcohol dependency and his bipolar disorder, while his wife, Sue, is undertaking study to re-enter the workforce after the birth of their child Amy.

Paul, 35, and Sue, 28, have a daughter, Amy, aged 3 years. Paul has an alcohol problem. He also experiences bipolar disorder. The combination of Paul's alcohol and mental health issues has been very disabling for him, and he has been hospitalised on numerous occasions. Paul is currently unemployed. He has started seeing an Indigenous psychologist at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service. With Paul's permission, Winnunga has also made a referral to the Partners in Recovery (PIR) program. The Support Facilitator is helping Paul to connect with the services he needs. With his support, Paul has agreed to community based treatment with the Salvation Army while he considers whether he is ready to undertake a supervised withdrawal program at the Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal Unit at Canberra Hospital.

Sue has not been in paid employment since Amy's birth. She has been struggling with bills and with her caring responsibilities for Paul. A friend has referred her to Carers ACT, and from time to time she receives respite services. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Carer Program Coordinator has also linked Sue into Care Financial Counselling Inc for support and advice.

At a recent Carers ACT Keeping Families Connected program for Indigenous Carers, Sue learned about a training and job readiness program specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Northside Community Service delivers ConnXtions for people to study, increase their skills or embark on a new career path. Participants receive a range of supports, including childcare, transport, and mentoring, to enable their participation in the program. Sue was excited about doing Certificate III training in Community Services, and the prospect of a career in the community sector. After talking to her family, she decided to enrol in the course at ConnXtions.