"Finding hope and rebuilding my life through compassionate support"

When I first connected with the Gambling Intervention Program, my life was at one of its lowest points. I wasn’t only struggling with gambling I was trying to recover from addiction, rebuild my mental health, repair relationships, and completely change the direction of my life. Everything felt overwhelming, and I carried a lot of guilt, shame and fear about my future.

From my very first conversation, Barb made me feel seen, heard and respected. She never judged me for my past or the mistakes I’d made. Instead, she treated me with kindness, compassion and genuine belief that I could recover.

Over the course of the program, Barb helped me understand my gambling behaviours, identify my triggers and develop healthier ways of coping. More importantly, she reminded me that I wasn’t defined by my past. Her encouragement helped me believe that lasting recovery was possible.

Throughout this journey I have completed residential rehabilitation, remained committed to my recovery, attended support meetings, worked on rebuilding my life and focused on becoming the best version of myself. Looking back now, I hardly recognise the person I was when I first started.

Barb wasn’t just someone who completed appointments with me. She celebrated every milestone, encouraged me when things were difficult and genuinely cared about my wellbeing. That level of compassion made a huge difference during a time when I needed it most.

Today I feel hopeful about my future. I have goals, purpose and confidence that I can continue living a healthy life. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received through Lives Lived Well and especially from Barb. She believed in me before I fully believed in myself, and I’ll always be thankful for the impact she’s had on my recovery.

If anyone reading this feels like recovery is impossible, please know that it isn’t. Accepting help was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and it changed my life.