Helping Heathcote stress less

TWELVE months ago, Tracie Louise was a virtual recluse after separating from her husband and dealing with her adult ASD diagnosis.

Ms Louise would only leave her 30-acre property to shop or visit her support worker.

“I saw advertised events and often planned to attend but couldn’t bring myself to do it,” she said.

“Then last July, I saw an article about a vision board workshop at the community house.

“I knew the lady running it as she had helped me with social security requirements through the community house agency.

“I made up my mind to attend but still wavered a dozen times before plucking up the courage on the day.

“The workshop was great and there I met Sandra from the McIvor Times who came to take photos and write a story for the paper.

“We talked and discovered we were both writing books.

“Sandra invited me to join her writing group at the community house and I’ve hardly missed a session since then.

“I have made some wonderful friends among the group members, staff and coordinator, Vicki Forde.”

After many years of feeling different, Ms Louise was relieved when she was diagnosed at age 55 with autism.

“The diagnosis answered so many questions and now I have an NDIS support worker, Caralyn Collins from Guiding Steps therapeutic Services, who helps me navigate the challenges,” she said.

“I am now volunteering at community house, and late last year saw some crocheted Worry Worms.

“I spoke to Vicki, and we decided they would be great to accompany a card with details of available services for anyone experiencing mental health issues.

“Mental health issues affect everyone at some point.

“Death, grieving, illness, financial strain, anxiety or depression hit everyone who lives long enough, and you don’t always have someone you can talk to about these sensitive issues. The mental health hotlines exist for this very reason.

“In times of great stress people don’t always have the wherewithal to search out these phone numbers, so I wanted to create something easily accessible in times of need.

“If my Worry Worms help just one person it will all be worthwhile.”

Community House executive officer Vicki Forde organised a morning tea launch last week to give the Worry Worms to community groups for distribution.

“It is a fantastic initiative, and the community groups all appreciated receiving them,” she said.

“I spoke to representatives from the Heathcote kindergarten who told me they have previously distributed them, and they made a massive difference.

“It is great to have all the community groups on board and adds to the wider breadth of community support.

“Tracie’s kindness and generosity in making approximately 200 worms is very much appreciated by everyone. She is an inspiration.”

Ms Louise is enjoying volunteering in other areas at community house and working with the writing group.

“There are still some challenging days, but I am very happy with the progress I have made,” she said.

“A few months ago, I hardly went out and now my wonderful friends joke and tell me I’m giving worms to the community.”