Harry’s* Story

Following several months of sleeping rough, I was referred to Oasis at age 20 and offered a room in Crisis Accommodation. I had come from a background of family violence, parental drug and alcohol abuse and had also started regularly using cannabis, alcohol and ice.  My behaviour was erratic and often dangerous, but I could not seem to find a way out. It was my only release.

I was encouraged to join Freeway, but after a few weeks I start to make up reasons not to go. If I was drunk, I would not even need to make them up. Oasis never gave up on me though and eventually I was a program regular. I even started to volunteer to help with other programs.

My past still haunts me, but at least I have something to look forward to each week and am trying to make positive steps forward.