Nearly two years ago, Samantha* was admitted to the Mother and Baby Mental Health Unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital. She was receiving treatment for postpartum challenges and alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, and spent two months on the ward.
During that time, Samantha received the care, support, and validation she needed through Ruah’s Inspire Peer Support program – which provides lived experience mental health and AOD support to patients, carers, and families through dedicated Peer Workers.
With this safe support, she was able to disclose that she was in a family and domestic violence relationship. She describes her time in the Mother and Baby Unit as truly life changing.
After discharge, Samantha continued her journey of recovery with an outpatient clinic and through ongoing support from Ruah’s Inspire program. These connections became vital in helping her rebuild her life.
Since then, Samantha has celebrated incredible milestones: she is now one year free from alcohol, has participated in FDV support programs, and has begun studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work.
Samantha credits the Inspire team’s guidance and encouragement as invaluable in helping her reach these goals.
Recently, with generous funding from LotteryWest, the team was able to present her with a new Notebook laptop to support her studies. For Samantha, this gift brought both relief and confidence: no longer needing to borrow a device, she feels better equipped to succeed.
Today, Samantha reflects on her journey with gratitude and hope. With the right support, she has not only overcome enormous challenges but is now preparing to use her experiences to help others.
*Name changed to protect privacy.