Brendan
Brendan had a standard middle class upbringing but, at an early age, he recognised that there was something different about the way he drank and used drugs. He felt anxious without alcohol and was obsessive with it.
In 1998 he was caught drink driving and lost his license - and that is when things really started to go down hill. He started drinking in the mornings and using drugs on a daily basis. He was using them to change the way he felt about himself and his situation, but he could feel his addictive behaviour sucking him deeper and deeper down.
By 2003 he was homeless and felt he had no hope of a future. He was living on the beach, gaunt, underweight and showing visible signs of being exposed to the elements. When he found his way to Wesley Rehabilitation Services he felt close to death.
Brendan says he has been blessed to see true miracles at 'Rehab' - men and women who have arrive with no hope - spiritually, mentally and physically broken - who then turn their lives around.
Brendan doesn't deny or even regret anything about his past. For him, suffering equals growth and he believes it is the path God has chosen for him.
With the help of Wesley Mission, Brendan's own life has changed miraculously. He now has a Certificate 111 in Community Services (Welfare), a Certificate lV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work and has enjoyed 2 years and 8 months of continuous, unbroken sobriety. He is looking forward to giving something back because he believes he has been given so much. He knows that not everyone gets a second chance, and he really wants to use the opportunity.
When he entered Wesley Rehabilitation Services Brendan had no concept of God. Today, God plays the most important part in his recovery. He accepted Jesus into his heart many months ago and believes he would not be where he is today without God's divine grace.
He says that, at Wesley Mission, hope is given to the hopeless, strength to the weak and faith to the faithless. Most importantly, those who society often choose to leave behind have an opportunity to regain their dignity.
Wesley Newcastle City Mission Accommodation Services, Emergency Food and Cash Relief and Retail Outlet Homelessness exacerbates problems such as substance abuse, mental ill health, relationship breakdown or problems with the law. Wesley Mission's Accommodation programs provide the physical support, stability and security someone like Brendan needs before he can begin to address the many issues likely to have contributed to the problem.
The Wesley Uniting Employment Personal Support Program (PSP) This program acts as a bridge between the assistance needed to manage a short-term crisis and then to find employment. We help people like Brendan overcome the barriers standing between them and paid work. These might include homelessness, drug and alcohol problems, psychological disorders and domestic violence.
Wesley Uniting Employment 'Work for the Dole' and Training Program When someone has been unemployed for months or even years, the work environment can feel daunting and strange. Our Work for the Dole program eases them back into paid employment by providing appropriate work experience while they receive Government benefits.
Wesley Newcastle and Central Coast Counselling Services We provide our clients with high-quality, professional counselling services within a confidential and supportive environment. Volunteers can become involved when they have earned a Diploma of Counselling (minimum accreditation). Their own life experiences can make their input particularly valuable.
Wesley Rehabilitation Services Our Rehabilitation services introduce our clients God as their Lord, their strength, their counsellor and their best friend. This can bring hope, dignity and a feeling of worth.
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