Walking with clients in their time of need

A shift in direction

Initially, Jade was not focused on going into the alcohol and other drugs field while she was studying.

After spending her second university placement at a Lives Lived Well residential rehab and enjoying the experience, she developed a keen interest in the complex field of mental health and substance use dependency.

She wanted to learn more to help people and families struggling with these complex issues.

Jade has now worked in the Breakthrough for Families program for eight months following on from her five month student placement at Lives Lived Well.

Changing lives in different locations

On a typical day, Jade has clients attending counselling sessions at the office or she drives to various locations for outreach support. She runs community information group sessions and networks with stakeholders.

When asked what’s something about your role that people might not know,

Jade says, “The role is quite varied. I am often out in the community networking with other services, running information sessions and meeting clients from all ages and all walks of life in beautiful locations. As a family counsellor, I can have multiple people in one counselling session including the substance user themselves at times.”

Connecting with others

Jade enjoys her work, and says she’s connected with and met many inspiring people through it. “I feel honoured that clients allow me to walk alongside them in their time of need, so they don’t feel so alone, and I love hearing good news updates from clients months after engagement.”

As for her advice to anyone considering working for Lives Lived Well?

“Lives Lived Well provides so many opportunities to develop your skills. They provide great support, flexibility and best of all, the people I work with are so genuine and amazing at what they do,” she said.