Keri* connected with the Phoenix Centre because of her lived experience of alcohol and other drug challenges that had spanned 25 years. As well as raising three children on her own, Keri was supporting both of her parents. She says she was brought up in a difficult home environment and went on to spend her adult years in “chaos” with no coping skills to turn her life around. Following a particularly troubling time, Keri’s use of drugs and alcohol led to destructive crime sprees that she felt unable to stop. During this time, she says she felt like a “black cloud” surrounded her and believed she would likely end up in prison. However, knowing how to make changes happen was hard as she was faced with constant triggers and the family was not functioning. Keri says she had not been taught parenting and coping skills, and felt there was no structure in place for her three children. She says she knew she wanted a better life for herself and her whānau.
How we walked alongside Keri
As soon as she connected with the Phoenix Centre, Keri says the team demonstrated consistency, care, reliability and understanding. This long term support was essential, she says. “A timeframe cannot be placed on recovery.” The Phoenix Centre provided her and her whānau with counselling and services such as parenting classes, and helped her clear outstanding rental arrears to prevent the family from becoming homeless. The team also supported her to attend appointments, and access mentoring and respite care. Before leaving the service, Keri was assisted by the Phoenix Centre to connect with CareNZ and Narcotics Anonymous for ongoing support.
In her own words, Keri explains the difference the Phoenix Centre has made to her life and that of her
whānau:
“The Phoenix Centre team kept offering me support and continued to walk alongside me. I realised I could trust these beautiful people. I knew they cared and I became open to their suggestions of ways I could make positive changes. They helped me to realise my strengths and reminded me how much I enjoyed being a part of my children’s lives. They encouraged me to take up running with my children, which meant I got to spend more quality time with them, and it benefitted us physically and mentally. The Phoenix Centre also supported me with yoga classes, mindfulness lessons, and encouraged me to investigate my whakapapa. Finding out where I came from, connecting with my extended family, and connecting with my Māori identity had a huge impact on me spiritually”.
The difference we made
Keri says the gratitude she has for the Phoenix Centre is enormous. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support,” she says. “They led me to the places where I needed to make change and supported me every step of the way”. As a wrap-a-round service, the Phoenix team considered each aspect of Keri’s life and assisted her to achieve small steps, goal-by-goal, which helped to make life feel less overwhelming. Keri says the Phoenix team created a trusting, safe relationship which developed throughout her recovery journey. There were hard times of relapse, but her peer support specialist and clinician continued to connect with Keri and walk alongside her.
*Names have been anonymised for privacy.