OUR STORIES

Gavin’s Story

I began working with Gavin after his probation officer referred him following his fourth EBA (Excess Breath Alcohol) and a dangerous driving charge, for which he faced sentencing. Initially, Gavin was guarded and unsure how anyone could support him through such a difficult time, noting that he is “unhelpable”. Over our four months together, he gradually opened up, sharing the burdens he felt weighed him down, and the past experiences that he couldn’t get away from. Yet, as his court date approached, Gavin withdrew from our sessions, finding it too painful to consider the reality of prison.

Gavin was advised that securing a safe, approved residence could significantly impact his case, potentially reducing his chances of incarceration. However, he was reluctant to move in with his grandmother, fearing he would be a burden to someone who had always been there for him.

Encouraged by his grandmother, who expressed her deep desire for him to come home, Gavin ultimately agreed to stay with her. This decision shifted his outlook, and against all odds, he avoided prison, instead receiving a one-year home detention sentence. This outcome led Gavin to make profound changes, including reducing his alcohol use and addressing many underlying issues that drove his desire to drink.

Gavin’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of walking alongside people at every stage of change, empowers them to lead their own path to transformation.

Kelly’s Story

Kelly is an 18-year-old girl who self-referred through a local youth agency. Kelly requested support with her Cannabis use and her goal was to pass a drug test so she could gain employment.

Kelly’s living environment made it difficult for her to achieve this as her whanāu repeatedly offered Cannabis to her. Kelly would spend much of her time at home. She often had no access to transport as she did not have her licence or a car. This was also a barrier for Kelly to attend Get Smart appointments as she lived rurally.

Kelly had 12 sessions at Get Smart. Over this time, she reduced her Cannabis use from 3 grams a day to 1 gram a day. With the support from Get Smart and a local youth agency, Kelly attained her restricted driver’s licence, gained employment and is now living in independent accommodation.