Having battled addiction for 12 years, Singleton local, Brayden Pennell found himself at a crossroads where he had to make a life-changing decision.
“I was struggling with addiction, going through court, looking at more time in jail which I didn’t want to do. I knew I had to make a choice to change my life,” Brayden said.
This decision led him to The Bridge, an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support program offered by Social Futures.
Men are significantly less likely than women to seek mental health support, with only 1 in 3 Australian men accessing professional help, according to Beyond Blue. Social Futures says this International Men’s Health Week (9–15 June) is the time to open discussion about the barriers preventing men from seeking support and encouraging them to prioritise well-being.
“I would say one of the most prevalent barriers to seeking help is the fear of being judged, and shame around that”, says The Bridge Peer Support Worker, Sophie Hitch. “That is why having somebody in a support role who has stood in your shoes and comes from a place of real understanding, is just so valuable.”
“It’s definitely hard to talk about some of the things that might have happened to you in the past, but I feel like, if you just push through that first hurdle, go over that first hill, it’s a downhill track from there,” Brayden said.
“I felt like I had a safe space. Talking to people who really understood me made all the difference,” he explained.
Sophie said sharing her own lived experience was key in helping Brayden feel supported.
“When I told him I’d been exactly where he was, his whole posture changed. It’s like he realised there was no judgement here. It’s amazing to see how far he has come,” said Sophie.
Brayden now has new tools to support his mental health, handle anxiety, and better cope with life’s challenges.
“They taught me things like box breathing for anxiety. I’ve become healthier, both physically and mentally,” Brayden said.
Now, Brayden’s life is a world away from what it was. From struggling daily with addiction and isolation to reconnecting with his family, he says,
“If it weren’t for The Bridge and Social Futures, I wouldn’t be here today.”
The Bridge offers comprehensive support tailored to individual needs, with peer workers, clinicians, and support navigators all in one location. This coordinated approach ensures participants only have to tell their story once. The need to repeat sometimes traumatising information, is often a hurdle when seeking help from multiple services.
For Brayden, with the ongoing support of the team, he’s now focused on taking life one day at a time and even hopes to inspire others.
“I’d like to help younger people avoid going down the track I did. The past doesn’t have to define your future,” he said. “I want to show people that change is possible, no matter their past,” he said.
If you or someone you know is dealing with alcohol or substance misuse, The Bridge provides tailored support to help individuals start their recovery journey.
Call 1800 319 801 or visit socialfutures.org.au/service/the-bridge for more information.
Funded by NSW Ministry of Health.
