My name is Allara, and that’s Asha in the picture with me. You might have seen our photo on the First Step website or in one of their newsletters.

Last year, I shared my story with the First Step community, and it had a huge impact on my mental health, wellbeing, and confidence. Actually, it changed my life and the decisions I chose to make.

I had been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and decided not to have surgery because I felt my mind was the only safe place I had – it was my sanctuary. I grew up believing I didn’t have a voice, but to then stand up and tell my story and have it received with such genuine understanding, kindness, and acceptance, helped dissipate a lot of the shame I’d carried. It opened me up to a life I didn’t think was possible, including being an advocate for others.

I felt I had more to share with the world, so I decided to go through with the neurosurgery.

The short story is the surgery was very successful, and I’ve made a solid recovery.

The long story is life was hectic in the lead up. I had to move out of my rental and spent weeks looking for a new place. I was overwhelmed - I had to pack, clean, and move, but mostly I was worried about who would look after Asha while I was in hospital.

First Step stepped up and stepped in, as they have so many times for me in the past.

They covered the costs of cleaning my old place, organised the entire move, and went to amazing efforts to find Asha a place to stay (and took on the heartbreaking task of taking her there when I couldn’t).

The first call I received after surgery was from Joe, my mental health clinician. He called every day until I was discharged and helped manage my expectations about the surgery and recovery.

I’ve been to many health services in my life and can honestly say First Step goes above and beyond its tagline of mental health, substance use, and legal services. They wrap care and services around each client.

We now live a peaceful and happy life in our new apartment, and I’m using my lived experience to advocate for more appropriate and accessible services, especially in the areas of sexual assault and family violence, and to highlight the work of First Step.

I honestly couldn’t have managed the move and surgery without the many, many staff here at First Step, doing what they do best. But I know the level of care they provide is constrained by government funding models, and that’s why they need to fundraise.

I hope my story shows you just how powerful First Step’s work really is. If you’ve ever thought about donating, please consider making a contribution now, so First Step can keep helping people like me.

It really does make a difference.

Allara