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Emily* was 16 when she came to us - and completely lost. She'd been using hard drugs for a while, partying a lot just to feel something. Her home life was messy and school wasn't a thing anymore. She didn't really see a way out of this cycle.

"I didn't think I'd make it to 18, honestly."

A psychologist referred her to us, and we linked her into YNOT - our Youth Northern Outreach Team for young people dealing with alcohol and drug use. At first, Emily barely talked to her Youth Outreach Worker, Tejuan. She avoided meetings. But we stuck with her.

 

"They didn't give up on me, even when I gave them nothing. I'd never had that from an adult before."

Slowly, she started to trust. Tejuan helped her get into detox at Tabor House - a huge turning point. From there, she:

• Got back into school - an alternative one that fit her vibe

• Started playing music again - guitar was a passion when she was younger

• Picked up a part-time job

• Set her own goals for what came next.

And the biggest win? She's been off illicit substances for months. She's reconnecting with her mum. Making friends who don't use drugs. Seeing a future with more possibilities.

"I didn't think I'd care about school again, but now I actually like going and making music"

Why Emily's story matters

According to AIHW, 1 in 4 Australians (14-24) have used an illicit drug in the past year, often to cope with trauma, mental health struggles or family breakdown.

There are thousands of young people like Emily. Too young to be written off. Too smart, creative and full of life to be left behind.

The system isn't set up to catch them. There's too much red tape, not enough funding, and waitlists that go on for months.

That's where we step in - fast, flexible, and without judgement. But programs like YNOT are stretched to the limit.

 

Where you come in

The Youth Outreach team meet young people where they're at, but your donation helps us keep the engine running

• $100 covers two outreach sessions to keep someone like Emily on track

• $250 funds a month of drug and alcohol counselling, goal setting and mentoring.

• $1,000 supports a full detox and reintegration plan.

Your donation could give a young person like Emily a clean slate, an opportunity to thrive, and someone who believes in them.

Donate today