Celebrating our success
Building a new life...
A woman struggling with severe drug addiction and in an abusive relationship reached out to CATH for support. She was facing multiple challenges and felt unable to see a way forward. CATH provided consistent, wrap-around support. They helped her engage with Women’s Aid for safety and protection, offered daily guidance in her recovery journey, supported her in accessing benefits, and worked closely with her to plan a new future. With stability and encouragement, she began to rebuild her life. She has successfully maintained abstinence, moved into a safe and secure home, and is now in a supportive relationship. She has even enjoyed several holidays abroad with her new partner - a testament to the progress she has made and the hope she now feels for the future. This story shows the power of compassionate support, resilience, and the belief that change is always possible. She's doing great and still keeps in touch with us, recently providing some kind words...
"Always grateful for the support you have given me and to know you’re only a phone call away. Sometimes that’s all people need, is for the right person to come along and be there."
Helping refugees feel at home...
On the Mend recently hosted a group of refugees mostly from the Sudan who have been affected by trauma. The group was working with ESOL and PKC to increase language skills and integration into the Perth community when we were approached by Alison from Community Learning. After some consultation about what would work best for a group of men in their 20's we decided on creating clocks from old vinyls and painting plant pots. Lou did a fantastic job prepping the space and crafts and provided visual guides to help overcome the language barrier. Everyone really got into creating and it was really moving to see how you could see some of those worries float away and everyone become really engrossed in the activity. All who attended was wonderfully polite and you could see they had a great experience at On the Mend. PKC Community Learning provided some lovely feedback from the group...
‘This was a wonderful opportunity for our guys to feel welcomed and accepted into the community, whilst improving their mental health and wellbeing. We're so grateful and really appreciate your time and effort - keep up the great work!’
~ Alison, Community Learning
A life saved and new purpose...
A gentleman who was at high risk of drug-related death was identified as needing urgent, wrap-around support. CATH took decisive action and convened a multi-agency meeting to highlight the seriousness of his situation and the need for supported accommodation. At first, there were challenges in securing appropriate help. However, through a collaborative multi-agency approach, strengthened by advocacy and supporting letters, a place in supported accommodation was eventually secured. Since then, he has made remarkable progress. He is actively engaging in recovery, maintaining abstinence, and building healthier relationships. His journey demonstrates the power of partnership, persistence, and person-centred support. Today, he is not only safe - he is thriving!
Positive Pathways
Focused on the Future Joining Positive Pathways 5th group in July, a participant quickly immersed themselves in learning and group activities. They completed multiple CPD certificates, including food hygiene, fire safety, health and safety, manual handling, and COSHH essentials, with plans for First Aid and Child Protection training next. Their goal is clear: to grow in confidence and move toward employment. They describe the course as empowering and meaningful, a strong foundation for their next chapter. Building Confidence to Volunteer Starting the programme feeling nervous, a participant from our 4th group worked on communication skills and pushed beyond their comfort zone. Their confidence grew, and they are now preparing to start a volunteering role at a local garden once clearance is complete a step they attribute to their progress on the programme.
Tayview House
One of our residents has shown incredible progress over the past 18 months. When they first came to Tayview House, they were struggling with alcohol addiction. Through consistent engagement with support and services and a commitment to taking life one day at a time, they have completely turned their life around. They are now ready to move forward into a suitable property and begin the next chapter of their journey! Another resident has worked incredibly hard to turn their life around. At first, they found it difficult to communicate with staff, and it took time and trust to begin engaging with support. Over their time with us, they have made remarkable progress, built positive relationships and actively engaged with staff. They are now settled in their own tenancy and continue to work closely with our Floating Housing Support team.
Sweet 15 for Martine!
CATH Shop recently celebrated Assistant Sales Manager Martine Gill contributing over 15 years to our charity organisation. Martine is popular with customers, she's happy to have a chat and always supportive to our team of volunteers. Martine has shown endless flexibility over the years with the hours she does covering days off and holidays. To have a settled and consistent staff team has been a great benefit to the CATH Shop. Also, recently Martine has been using her technical skills and knowledge as part of a working group toward our new website. After so many years working together it was lovely to be able to organise a little get together with fellow staff and volunteers and spend some time chatting and laughing with some pizza and chocolate cake!
