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Blair’s story: from an overdose to a new family

Hello, my name is Blair*.

I hit rock bottom three years ago.

I woke up in hospital after taking an overdose and finally admitted I needed rehab.

Until then, there had been eight years of chaos – fuelled by cocaine, valium and alcohol.

I went to a number of different services – the last one I needed was the Haymarket Foundation’s Bourke Street Program.

It’s a nine-month post-rehabilitation program for men.

I lived in a share house around Woolloomooloo and took part in activities to build my life skills, while also maintaining sobriety.

You do everything from counselling and group work through to walks and yoga.

Part of the program’s success is because it is male-only. I needed to figure out what it meant for me to be a man.

Now that I’ve finished the program, I’m much closer to what that means for me.

I’m working as a bricklayer, studying to become a community support worker – and I’m living with my partner and step-daughter.

You can help other people like Blair with your generous winter gift to the Haymarket Foundation – any gift made before June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar by generous donors.

All gifts of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

Thank you!

*Blair is not his real name. An actor has volunteered to share this story – you can see the video here.