Neil* was 17 years old when he came to Triple Care Farm. He was using cannabis and methamphetamine daily.
Neil’s drug and alcohol use was taking a hold of all areas of his life. It was negatively impacting connections with his family, contributing to poor emotional regulation strategies (with a diagnosis of depression) and was forming an unhealthy understanding of his self-worth.
Neil had also begun to have legal concerns as a result of the activities surrounding his drug and alcohol use, and had indicated that his use had begun to impact his ability to maintain employment.
At the beginning of the program, he shared, “I’m sick of my life pattern. I just can’t do it anymore.”
During his stay at Triple Care Farm, Neil identified that he had difficulties changing his patterns of behaviour. Although he desperately wanted to change, he found it challenging to address his previous coping mechanisms: excessive drug use and aggressive behaviour when scared or upset.
Despite his negative perception of himself and the identified trauma he was managing, Neil challenged himself in the program and was open to the counselling process. Through this process, Neil identified some key issues that had been triggering him; he was able to navigate and trial communicating with others in a different, more helpful way.
As he began to become more comfortable in the program, Neil was able to further let his guard down and learn new emotional regulation strategies. Neil stated that his highlight was using his brain for things that he never thought were possible, and gaining confidence in himself to have the future he wanted to have.
As a result of his continuous effort, Neil completed the program. He was surprised that he was able to make it through the three months and complete some of the additional accredited training whilst at there; having achieved his forklift licence and the Certificate II in Skills for Work & Vocational Pathways. He was surprised but also quite proud of himself.
Neil has since moved into the aftercare component of the program and is currently seeking employment. He has begun to re-engage with his family and now enjoys surfing and skating. The Triple Care Farm Aftercare Worker has also helped to link him up with services in his local area for continued drug and alcohol support.
When asked about his goals, Neil shared that he has a long term goal to own a property of his own.
Before the farm, Neil’s future goals were grim. Your support gave him the chance to see a different life path.
*Name changed to protect privacy; stock image used.
