Jess knows how much the right support, offered in a safe and welcoming environment, can change someone’s life. She also knows how difficult finding that support can be. 

Jess experienced violence and abuse throughout her childhood and later in her marriage, leaving a lasting impact on her mental health and wellbeing. 

As she navigated the effects of trauma, Jess experienced challenges with substance use, housing instability and homelessness. She spent periods sleeping rough and relying on temporary accommodation with strangers, sometimes in unsafe environments. She also faced the distress of being separated from her two children. 

Finding appropriate support was difficult. Navigating multiple services, eligibility requirements and complex government systems felt overwhelming, particularly while managing homelessness, trauma, mental health and substance use. 

Even when Jess found somewhere to seek assistance, feeling safe enough to share her experiences presented another barrier. 

As a survivor of domestic and family violence, she sometimes found Hutt St Centre’s busy, mixed-gender Wellbeing Centre overwhelming and triggering. Being around men could bring back memories of past trauma, making it harder to feel comfortable, ask questions or speak openly about what she needed. 

Despite these challenges, Jess remained determined to rebuild her life. 

Through Hutt St Centre, she connected with a dedicated case navigator and received ongoing support through the Aspire program, alongside mental health services, allied health professionals and women’s wellbeing activities. 

This consistent, personalised support helped Jess work towards recovery, secure permanent housing and strengthen her relationships with her children. 

Today, Jess has a safe and stable place to call home and is exploring opportunities to build a career that draws on her lived experience. She is passionate about helping others navigate the services and systems she once found so overwhelming.

“It’s a healing process that doesn’t stop, but you get stronger, if you’re able to access the right support and have other people to talk to. Even a support group where women can come in and talk about their stories if they feel comfortable or just sit and listen. That’s how a women’s centre is going to help a lot of people.”