After living it tough for years Nicholas has managed to turn his life around with a helping hand from the Camden Haven community.
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He is now obtained work in rendering and tiling in the area due his connections with members of the group Community @ 3.
Nicholas said he was in a pretty dark place in Sydney and struggled with anxiety and depression. He moved to Melbourne but said he never really got settled.
“I was probably a bit lost,” he said.
He moved back to Sydney but due to family issues Nicholas moved to the Camden Haven.
“I ended up living on the streets up here and got tired of wondering around,” he said.
Nicholas went along to one of the Community @ 3 barbecues where he socially connected with people who were willing to help him.
“I was lucky there was a group of people who seemed to want the same thing I wanted,” he said.
“It was a group that wanted to support me and help me to grow myself but also be outward focused.”
As Nicholas has suffered with mental illness he said the initial step to connect with the group was difficult.
“Letting my guard down has been really hard,” he said.
However he said he realised the importance of social connection and feels comfortable in the safe environment that Community @ 3 provides.
Nicholas said being homeless can be incredibly isolating.
“It’s really hard to come back in society,” he said.
Nicholas said the combination of mental illness and being homeless can be an endless cycle for some people.
“There is a temptation to just stay in that,” he said.
Nicholas said Community @ 3 offers a hand up through linkage to services to help people.
The organisation meets behind the Laurieton United Services Club every Wednesday at 4pm to put on a meal for those who need it most.
If you would like to put a donation towards the Community @ 3 cause or if you are interested in joining the organisation please call Theo Hazelgrove on 0438 358 057.
