Laurie
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Laurie has post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder.
‘I am currently homeless and suicidal, but am unable to access any support,’ Laurie told the Royal Commission.
He said after being treated in hospital recently for a mental health condition, he was discharged and ‘left to fend’ for himself.
‘I keep being told that there are services and supports out there, but nobody can actually put me in contact with someone who actually provides support.’
Laurie said he asked Centrelink, his doctor, a suicide phone support service and a bushfire support provider for help, but ‘nothing ever happens’.
He also contacted ‘lots of crisis phone counselling services’, but ‘they don't provide actual supports and can't tell you who does’.
‘It appears just to be a money earning operation rather than a genuine effort to help people … I have no hopes for the future. There is no real desire to do anything.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.