"From Despair to Hope: A Family’s Journey Toward Healing and a Brighter Future"

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone at the Wanneroo Adult Mental Health Service and especially to the incredible ART team—for the care, responsiveness, and compassion they have shown during our journey with a young lady that arrived on our doorstep desperate for a place to stay and feel safe.

For a long time, we had lost faith in the mental health system. Our family had already walked a difficult road with our own son, who, for much of his childhood, was just a typical boy but blessed with a compassionate heart, was kind and carefree. What we didn’t realize was that he had ADHD, which grew more pronounced with age and led him to self-medicate. His struggle with addiction brought painful consequences, and he now lives with depression and anxiety. It was a time marked by helplessness and disillusionment, especially with the lack of support available, our much needed support constrained by the privacy act.

This young lady came into our lives just before Christmas—when our son, in an act of compassion, tried to help her find safety as she faced the hardest chapter of her life, homeless, and desperate to feel safe. She was seeking shelter wherever she could, and at first glance, she seemed okay. But as time passed and the weight of her circumstances grew, we began to see just how deeply traumatised she was.

It was then that we met the Active Response Team at the Wanneroo Adult Mental Health Service. 

I truly don’t have enough words to express the difference this team has made—not just in this young lady's life, but also in ours. Their support, not only for her, but also for me and my husband, has helped us navigate a world we were never prepared for. With their guidance and compassionate, we’ve come through some of the most challenging moments and reached a place where she is stable and, most importantly, moving forward and healing.

To Jody, Karen, Dr. T, and Kelson - and to all those working quietly behind the scenes - thank you. Your care, professionalism, and genuine humanity have made a lasting impact on our family.

We look forward to continuing to work with you as we support this young lady in reaching her goals of living safely, independently, and, hopefully—with your continued support—with a renewed sense of self and possibility.

With sincere appreciation.