My Story Project 2020

During Covid-19 Sandra Muratti, Senior Access and Inclusion Officer from Geelong City Council lead a project for people with lived experience of mental health and disability. Participating in My Story was possibly the best thing I could have done.

Initially, I was hesitant about telling anyone the extent of my mental health issues. I was afraid people would no longer like me, cut me out of their life or abandon me. Then the most amazing thing happened. By just being me and not hiding parts of myself, I have made some great new friends, I am more confident about sharing my art and writing with others and I am better than I have ever been in body, mind and soul.

Sadly, there is something that has been somewhat of an issue and I know for a fact that it is not just me who was impacted. I won't go into the details of my experiences but I will say this.

It is time this community actually accommodates people with disabilities and listens to us. There are easy solutions to these issues and they would make life easier, not just for disabled people, for everyone but you have to be willing to actively listen to us. Believe us when we say we need help, believe us when we say that one small thing will make the difference between being able to participate in something or staying at home for the rest of the week and don't tell us what to do, help us to do the things we want to do.

If anything from this overall experience, it has made me more determined to be self sufficient, self reliant and to help others. Help me to help you to help others!