oasis services

Stories

Luke's* Story

I left home when I was really young. My father was violent and aggressive and I figured I would be better off outta there. Some older guys I met out on the street took me in and allowed me to sleep on their couch, but part of my acceptance involved sourcing and doing drugs. I became an addict. It was a release from the pain. One day I woke up in hospital and was told I had experienced a drug induced psychotic breakdown. I have no memory of this or what happened during this time. I was scared and realised how truly alone I was. For months I moved between my friends’ homes and youth refuges. I had no family and no one to help me; nobody except Oasis. They helped me into rehab and later, resume my studies. I know it is not going to be easy, but I want a future for myself and this is just the first step.

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Lucy's* Story

I was 18 when I left home. It was not by choice, but out of necessity. My step-father had been assaulting me for years and my mother had ignored what was happening. I felt so ashamed. I felt like it was all my fault. When I finally worked up the courage to leave, I tried to avoid staying in one place for more than a few nights for fear that he would track me down…he often did. I eventually sought an AVO and spent a few months in Crisis Accommodation at Oasis while they helped me to find something more permanent. My bedroom has never felt like a safe place and I still have trouble falling asleep at night. I am often anxious, but at least now I feel supported, am living on my own, enrolled in TAFE and miles away from my former life. My bedroom has never felt like a safe place and I still have trouble falling asleep at night. I am often anxious, but at least now I feel supported, am living on my own, enrolled in TAFE and miles away from my former life.

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Harry's* Story

Following several months of sleeping rough, I was referred to Oasis at age 20 and offered a room in Crisis Accommodation. I had come from a background of family violence, parental drug and alcohol abuse and had also started regularly using cannabis, alcohol and ice. My behaviour was erratic and often dangerous, but I could not seem to find a way out. It was my only release. I was encouraged to join Freeway, but after a few weeks I start to make up reasons not to go. If I was drunk, I would not even need to make them up. Oasis never gave up on me though and eventually I was a program regular. I even started to volunteer to help with other programs. My past still haunts me, but at least I have something to look forward to each week and am trying to make positive steps forward.

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Sam's* Story

I was 19 when I moved into Oasis Crisis Accommodation. I had no support, no income and had been without a bed for months. I had ongoing, undiagnosed mental health issues and had moved interstate to escape the regular beatings I had received from my alcoholic father since I was 10. I was anxious, depressed and angry. I really struggled with the routine and structure at Oasis, but I also had goals that I wanted to achieve. Number one on my list - finding out what was wrong with my head, then get a job in hospitality and move into my own place. I found support through regular counselling sessions, felt confident enough to submit my resume to a couple of local cafes and was hired as a barrister within a few weeks. It was all coming together and I was feeling positive about the future.

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