✨ Garry shared the following powerful story with us before moving on to pursue new ventures. We’re incredibly grateful for the impact he made during his time at Street Connect, and we wish him all the best in this next chapter! 💙 Read his inspiring reflection below and see how simple acts of connection can change lives.
As an outreach worker I have learned the importance of connecting and interacting with everyone we encounter on the streets. Sometimes we get mixed responses when we explain the type of work that Street Connect do.
Some people might say “Why are you giving me a leaflet, I’m not an addict” or others might say “I don’t know anybody in addiction.”
Others still, might stand and chat away showing an interest in the work that we do.
Recently during a time of outreach my colleague and I felt led to connect with a woman who was walking along the street, her response was “Why are you giving this to me?”, little did she know that the leaflet she was given would become a beacon of hope for someone.
As it turns out this woman was on her way to the school to collect her child where she met with a friend at the school gates. She discussed her encounter with us with her friend and the friend took the leaflet and said, “I know someone who could use this.”
A few days later a referral came through for us to connect with an individual who was looking for support, this person had addiction issues and was desperate for help but had no clue as to where to go looking.
After spending some time with this person during regular one to one sessions, my colleague and I supported this person through an application for residential rehabilitation.
The good news is that this individual successfully entered rehab and is engaging in recovery for the first time in many years. This story serves as a reminder of how important it is for our outreach workers to connect with everyone on the streets.
We never know whose family member or friend may be lost and suffering from addiction and we never know where one of our leaflets could land and become the beacon of hope that brings change to a life.