Sometimes, when life gives you lemons, you’ve got to make grandma’s lemon slice, and that’s exactly what Sarah lives by. “Life has served me my fair share of lemons,” she jokes. “But my grandma’s words of encouragement and her amazing willpower always come to mind and keep me going.”
From a young age, Sarah experienced big challenges—homelessness, trauma, family violence, and more recently, navigating life with a physical disability following a serious car crash. She had been searching for answers for her declining mental health and chronic pain, and says every door had closed on her, until she discovered the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale, Victoria.
A place where she feels like she belongs.
“I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t made that call,” she says.
“I’d hit rock bottom, but the Local helped me back on my feet.”
That first call connected her with Mel, a Peer Navigator who quickly became one of the most important people in her life. “I called from the front of ED and Mel answered. Everything changed. The Local became my second home — the staff feel like family.”
The pair now affectionately refer to each other as “sparkling and colourful unicorns.”
Unicorns for life!
“When you find that inner sparkle within yourself, everything changes. That’s what I’ve found here.”
Together, Mel and Sarah mapped out goals and the support she needed. One of the biggest challenges Sarah faced was living in poor housing that was taking a toll on her health.
“Affordable and adequate housing is a big concern in our community,” Mel says. “Sarah was doing everything she could to keep her place livable, but it wasn’t supporting her wellbeing.”
Sarah and her partner Simon settle into their long-awaited new home.
With consistent support from the multi-disciplinary team at the Local Service, Sarah and her dedicated partner — and full-time carer — Simon recently secured a new home. “Finding good affordable housing in this region is really hard, but we’ve found the perfect little nest with everything we need,” she says proudly.
Once a tattoo artist, now a graphic designer — Sarah’s creativity knows no bounds.
Mel has watched Sarah’s confidence and creativity return. “She’s made great strides and is reconnecting with her artistic side — her resilience and determination are incredible,” Mel says. Sarah’s love of graphic design now brightens the Local through handmade name plates she creates for staff — small, joyful reminders of how far she’s come.
Every week, Sarah brings in her grandma’s lemon slice, sharing a piece of her family’s love with the people who supported her through some of her toughest days. “She was always there for me, and now that she’s gone, I get to share her love with these amazing people.”
While some days are still rough, Sarah stays on course and is motivated by her daughters. “I want them to be proud of me and for them to know life isn’t easy, but you can make it better.”
Wellways-led Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals across Victoria are co-designed with their communities to provide the services and spaces people need most.
The Local Service in Lilydale offers inviting community spaces, a multi-faith room, parent’s room designed to help you feel safe, supported and connected.
You’re welcome to drop in at this or any of our other Local Services for a chat with a peer navigator or simply unwind with a cuppa and a book. Families are also welcome, with quiet space for feeding and children’s corner.