Jude also pays homage to the role that Kaneesha has played in her recovery journey – a sweet little Maltese Shih Tzu that has been her loving companion for 10 years.
Jude’s weekly sewing and ukulele classes aren’t about gaining new skills. These outings are tackling a big issue head on – loneliness.
In her 60s, Jude often feels socially isolated and disconnected from her community.
She has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a group of debilitating stress reactions that developed after her 18-year-old son and only child was killed.
“I developed a fear of meeting new people,” said Jude. “Social interaction in general became very difficult – I experienced panic attacks and would shake with anxiety. Staying at home felt like the safer option.”
Earlier this month, Loneliness Awareness Week (5-11 August) shined a light on what’s now recognised as a public health priority in many countries around the world. But, despite its prevalence, loneliness isn’t widely understood or spoken about in Australia.
When Jude reached out for help, she was put in touch with Centacare, who helped her to access funded supports through the Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS).
QCSS provides low intensity supports to help people to live independently, increase connections and participate in their local community, thereby reducing social isolation.
Jude also pays homage to the role that Kaneesha has played in her recovery journey – a sweet little Maltese Shih Tzu that has been her loving companion for 10 years.
When Jude moved to the Sunshine Coast hinterland earlier this year, Centacare supported her to join the Boomerang Bags sewing community.
A Centacare support worker picked Jude up from her home and accompanied her to her first class.
“I couldn’t have walked in by myself,” said Jude. “Having Hannah there made all the difference. Now I have the confidence to go along every Monday. Everyone is so lovely – I walk away with a smile on my face.”
Centacare do all kinds of things to help ensure Jude feels connected. “I really needed a new phone but felt very overwhelmed by the process,” said Jude. “Centacare supported me through every step of the set-up process and made sure everything I wanted was transferred across from my old phone.
“They call me regularly for a chat and to see if there’s anything I need. Having someone to talk to about what I’m feeling and experiencing is life changing.
“I really feel like I’m putting some roots down in this community. I’ve made a new friend that lives a couple of doors down from me. We walked to the local pub together and had a drink.
“Deep down inside I’m a fun and bubbly person – I’m starting to feel more and more like her every day”.
Are you living with mental illness?
At Centacare, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy a full and meaningful life. Our support workers will walk alongside you on your recovery journey as you build your skills, confidence and independence in the areas that matter to you the most. We deliver our mental health services in a respectful and inclusive way and recognise the importance of your family, friends, community on your recovery journey.
Are you eligible for QCSS funding?
If you’re under 65 years old (or under 50 years old for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and not eligible for the NDIS, you may be eligible for Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) funding. Contact Centacare to find out more.