Thank you for believing that every young person deserves hope for a bright future. You are giving young people like Jake a real chance at life.
Jake was determined to find his way out of the cycle of addiction
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At just 14 years old, Jake* was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Just weeks later, feeling desperately alone, he tried drugs for the first time.
“By 15 I was a daily pot user,” Jake says. “Then, at around 19, I tried harder drugs and that’s when my life spiralled.”
What followed for Jake was a devastating cycle of addiction, attempted rehabilitation and deteriorating mental health. He spent time in hospital and made several attempts to end his life.
“My family didn’t know what to do,” Jake recalls. “They were completely lost at that point. They wanted to support me, but they didn’t know how.”
Jake was isolated, terrified, and at risk of dying by suicide.
But just before his 23rd birthday, Jake made a valiant decision. He would do everything in his power to break the cycle and get well.
Without support after leaving rehab, young lives are at risk
In late 2024, Jake graduated from residential rehab at Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm Walawaani, ready to start rebuilding his life.
The weeks after leaving residential rehab can be truly confronting. Filled with challenges to willpower, self-confidence, hope and safety that would be tough for anyone – let alone someone so young.
This is a time when lives can be lost.
But you can help protect young lives by giving young people like Jake access to crucial support at this daunting time.
Aftercare - support that saves lives
Aftercare is a vital program run by Mission Australia and supported by Sir David Martin Foundation.
This crucial program gives young people recovering from addiction one-on-one support in the community during their transition back to everyday life. For six months, a dedicated Aftercare Worker provides tailored, one-on-one support based on the young person’s specific needs and preferences.
Aftercare supports young people to:
- find safe housing
- access healthcare, education and employment opportunities
- build community networks
- reconnect with friends and family
It also shows young people like Jake that no matter what they’ve been through, they are not alone. There are people who value them and believe in their future.
Jake's bright future
Jake has now been drug-free for the longest period since he was 15.
Aftercare has been crucial to his recovery.
“If it wasn’t for Aftercare, I would be trying to stay well, but the odds would be against me,” he says.
With the support of his Aftercare Worker, Jake has found stable housing where he’s living independently. He has connected with mental health and addiction support services and begun volunteer work. And most importantly to him, he has rebuilt relationships with his family.
“That’s one of the best gifts of recovery, to have the people who mean the most to you back in your life,” says Jake.
Jake has built a strong foundation and is very hopeful for his future.
But thousands of young Australians struggle with addiction each year.
Will you help a young person access Aftercare and give them a real chance at life?
Aftercare is fundamental to the safety and wellness of young people
Research shows that every $1 invested in alcohol and drug treatment can result in a $7 benefit to society.**
And $4,000 invested in Aftercare can save $50,000 by preventing a young person from returning to residential rehab.
But more importantly, it helps to save young lives. We need your help to fund vital programs like Aftercare.
Can you make a gift today to help young people like Jake feel safe, stay safe, and achieve life-long recovery?
*Name changed to protect privacy; stock image used.
** Ettner et al., 2006.
