When COVID-19 lockdowns hit, V’s life changed dramatically. In a short span, he lost his job and his family, leaving him isolated and struggling with deteriorating mental health. Feeling hopeless, V even disclosed that he had a plan to end his life.
Seeking to be closer to his children, V relocated to Murray Bridge. One day, he noticed a flyer at the Tailem Bend Community Centre for Skylight Mental Health’s Strengthening Communities program, designed to build resilience in communities affected by floods and drought. That flyer became the turning point in V’s story.
The program facilitator listened to V’s struggles and referred him to the Chatty Café, part of the Community Connections Program (CCP) in Murray Bridge. There, a Community Partner introduced V to the Shoulder-to-Shoulder Program, which was starting that very afternoon. Over five weeks, V engaged deeply with the group, finding support and camaraderie.
At the program’s conclusion, the Regional Coordinating Partner announced a new initiative, a Men’s Group BBQ. Every member of Shoulder-to-Shoulder joined and kept coming back for seven months. V volunteered as the BBQ cook each week, and the group affectionately named the gathering the ‘BroBeque’. V even gifted each member a keyring with the name engraved.
Through these connections, V was encouraged to volunteer with another organisation. His dedication quickly stood out, and before long, he was invited to apply for a front desk role. V was successful at the interview and became an employee, a remarkable transformation in just nine months.
Today, V is happy, connected, and thriving. He credits the Community Connections Program, Skylight Mental Health, and Skylight’s partner for helping him move from the brink of despair to a life filled with purpose and community.
Find out more about the Community Connections Program here.
