Before State Wide CS support: When State Wide Community Services first started working with Ashley Walton, he was dealing with numerous challenges. He rarely answered his door, even when support workers and emergency contacts tried to reach him. Ashley, a type 2 diabetic, was losing one of his toes and could barely walk. He faced significant family issues, past depression, suicidal tendencies, major depression, kidney failure, and the aftermath of previous heroin use. His diet consisted mostly of iced coffee, which exacerbated his diabetes, and he often slept throughout the day due to his physical and mental health struggles.

Services used:

• Support with daily living activities
• Health and wellbeing support
• Mental health support
• Assistance with personal matters
• Home care and maintenance
• Medication management
• Community access support

Benefits of State Wide CS support: With the help of State Wide Community Services, Ashley began to experience a significant turnaround. The team helped him manage his diabetes, encouraged a healthier diet, and assisted him in overcoming personal matters that contributed to his depression. Ashley moved from renting to owning his own property in the beautiful Perth hills, where he now lives alone and enjoys the scenic environment.

Ashley, who once resisted any form of support, now receives assistance twice a week. Support workers helped him organise his home, manage his medications, and stay physically active. They also installed a security lockbox with a spare key to ensure his safety and access in emergencies. Ashley’s physical health improved, and he started building a large tropical fish tank in his home, adding to his sense of accomplishment and joy.

Ashley is now much happier and more active. He engages in household tasks, maintains a healthier diet, and receives constant support to monitor his blood sugar levels. He has transitioned from isolation to becoming an active member of his community, expressing interest in mentoring others. Ashley plans to start a men’s mental health circle at State Wide Community Services, where he can share his journey and support others dealing with similar challenges.

Ashley’s journey with State Wide Community Services has led to substantial improvements in his quality of life, highlighting the transformative impact of consistent support and community integration. He is now living a fulfilling life, managing his health effectively, and enjoying his newfound independence.

Before State Wide CS support: John Smart, living with paranoid schizophrenia, struggled with maintaining his home. His house was extremely cluttered, and the backyard was filled with dog faeces, causing a significant odour issue for the neighbours. John rarely left his home, only going out a couple of times a month, and his overall living conditions were poor.

Services used:

• Home decluttering and deep cleaning
• Support with daily living activities
• Community access support
• Budgeting assistance
• Health and wellbeing support

Benefits of State Wide CS support: After engaging with State Wide Community Services, John experienced a remarkable transformation. His home was thoroughly cleaned and decluttered, making it a more liveable space. The team helped John with cooking, budgeting, and purchasing special shoes due to his diabetes. They also assisted him in saving up for noise-canceling headphones, which helped him manage the voices he hears due to past trauma.

John’s support workers encouraged him to get out of the house more often. They took him on walks around South Perth and Kings Park and integrated him into community activities like seasonal barbecues at the State Wide office with other participants. They also helped John find resources like The Haven in Victoria Park, where he could pick up free food, including dog food, coffee, and bread, which greatly aided his budgeting efforts. John’s support workers took him on little trips to various places where he could obtain free supplies, such as Victory Life Church.

The support workers played a crucial role in helping John maintain his hygiene and household cleanliness. Initially, John’s home was in poor condition, with clutter, dirty dishes, and pet messes. The support workers began by meeting John outside his home due to the aggressive behaviour of his dog and the home’s condition. Over time, as John grew more comfortable with their assistance, he allowed them into his home, and they helped him clean and maintain it, ensuring a safe environment for both John and the support workers.

John’s social interactions improved significantly. He transitioned from having only male support workers to being comfortable with female support workers as well. He now enjoys community access trips and assistance with daily living, having two support workers visit him twice a week. John’s aggressive behaviour has diminished, and he has become more outgoing and sociable.

John now has two dogs and is more than capable of looking after them. John has significantly reduced his hospital visits and has fewer outbursts. His therapeutic journey with music has brought him happiness and a sense of calm.

John’s journey with State Wide Community Services has led to substantial improvements in his quality of life, showcasing the positive impact of consistent support and community integration. He is now happier, off his CTO, more independent, and actively participating in various activities that enhance his wellbeing.

Before State Wide CS support: When State Wide Community Services first started working with Austin, his hygiene was extremely poor. He was living in a hostel, transformed from a backpacker’s paradise to basic mental health housing during COVID. The hostel attracted the wrong crowd due to its cheap rent and had shared facilities in deplorable conditions. Austin’s living conditions were abysmal, with no air conditioning, closed windows, and minimal personal hygiene. He was also struggling with a heroin addiction, which compounded his difficulties.

Services used:

• Support with daily living activities
• Hygiene and home maintenance
• Health and wellbeing support
• Budgeting assistance
• Addiction support and counselling
• Community access support
• Housing assistance

Benefits of State Wide CS support: State Wide Community Services helped Austin clean and maintain his room, encouraging him to open windows for fresh air and adhere to no smoking in enclosed areas. The team assisted him in managing his disability support pension, budgeting for groceries, and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Through mentoring and counselling, Austin gradually cut down his heroin use.

The support workers also helped Austin reconnect with family members in Perth, which was a significant step in his recovery. After two years of applying with Homeswest, Austin finally moved into a new two-bedroom apartment, offering better living conditions and cheaper rent. With support, he was able to buy new clothes, shop for groceries weekly, and budget for weekend outings.

Austin’s physical health improved as he started walking regularly, initially once a week, eventually increasing to four times a week. This helped him lose weight and cut down on smoking. The support team also assisted him in saving up for a phone, which he had been without for six months.

Once Austin’s basic needs were met, he began to engage more in the community. He developed a routine of visiting the beach every weekend, regardless of the weather, enjoying ice cream and a cigarette. The highlight of his journey was going to the cinema for the first time in five years, marking a significant milestone in his improved quality of life.

Austin’s journey with State Wide Community Services showcases the transformative impact of comprehensive support, highlighting his progress from poor living conditions and addiction to a healthier, more independent, and fulfilling life.

Before State Wide CS support: Shannon Ronan was one of the first participants with State Wide Community Services, referred through Richmond Wellbeing. He was introduced to the team shortly after being released from incarceration. Initially, Shannon lived in shared accommodation in Armadale, facing significant challenges with privacy and stability as he moved frequently. He struggled with paranoid schizophrenia, which often kept him isolated and unable to leave his home.

Services used:

• Support with daily living activities
• Mental health support
• Job search assistance
• Educational support
• Community access support
• Health and wellbeing support

Benefits of State Wide CS support: State Wide Community Services provided Shannon with comprehensive support from the beginning. The director personally worked with him, assisting with his transition from incarceration. The team helped Shannon move to various locations until he finally settled into a stable home north of the river.

Shannon received a computer through a partnership with TADWA and participated in cooking classes. The team supported his job search efforts and encouraged him to pursue education. Shannon began learning Arabic and Indonesian, engaging in studies that expanded his horizons. He also became more active in the community, frequently visiting the gym and participating in up-shopping activities.

With consistent support, Shannon’s social skills improved, and he became more talkative. His paranoid schizophrenia symptoms lessened, allowing him to enjoy a more active lifestyle. Shannon now receives support three times a week, maintaining his health and fitness by going to the gym regularly. He has built healthy relationships and helps his mother, who is also an NDIS participant, with tasks like landscaping her front yard.

Shannon also participates in arts and crafts through a community program, showcasing his creativity and further integrating into the community. His journey from incarceration to a thriving community member exemplifies the transformative impact of dedicated support. Shannon sets and achieves new goals each year, becoming increasingly independent and contributing positively to those around him.

Shannon’s story is a testament to his resilience and the effectiveness of the support provided by State Wide Community Services. He is now a confident, active, and valued member of the community, continuously achieving success and setting an example for others.