our stories

Matthew's Story

Matthew had been living alone in his family home since the age of 12 after his mother left Mudgee for Sydney. He mowed lawns to earn money to pay the rent and buy food. He attended school regularly, at least in the beginning, but over time he began to fall behind and started avoiding classes altogether. The school would send letters home and in an effort to keep his secret, Matthew would forge his mother’s signature on the replies.

After 2 years, Matthew’s mother attempted to reconnect with him, sending him the fare to travel to Sydney. He arrived in Sydney and reconnected with his mother but realised he needed more support. He was connected with the counselling service at Phoenix House with the sessions focussing on restoring the relationship with his Mother. During one of these visits, his Counsellor mentioned that ‘Feel Good Night’ was on and Matthew went along for a haircut. During the evening, he started engaging with one of the Community Youth Development Specialists who worked with him to provide him with the wrap-around support he needed to thrive and move forward. With this support he was able to access brokerage from Phoenix House to attend a sport and recreation camp.

Phoenix House assisted Matthew to re-enrol in high school and continued to support him through his schooling and Matthew completed Year 12. At various points throughout this time, Matthew reconnected with the Counsellor. He came “not [for] early intervention crap… [but for] counselling to help me… ‘.

Matthew has continued in counselling with us, ensuring he receives the extra support he needs at stressful times in his life and as time has gone by this has become less and less. Phoenix House further supported Matthew to attend further training after his schooling to achieve his dream of becoming a bus driver. He is now successfully employed with State Transit as a bus driver. Matthew had also received a scholarship to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Award program which he describes as “Life changing”. Matthew is a valued member of our Alumni Group and continues to be involved with Phoenix House after 12 years.