As we approach Father’s Day, we are shining a light on the fathers we have walked beside during their time of need. Here are some quotes, stories, and staff recounts of the dads at St Barts.
A current dad from Barts Plus family supported accommodation:
“I never knew I needed St Bart’s, until I got here, I feel very privileged to have a home, and the opportunity to address trauma from the past in a safe space. Barts Plus has been life changing for me and my family.”
Jessie’s Story:
In September 2023, Jessie and his son moved into our Bart’s Plus Family Service. Jessie was experiencing challenges with AOD (alcohol and other drugs) use, and we supported him by providing safe accommodation and connecting him with the right support services. We also helped Jessie’s child attend school and engaged the family in a parenting support program.
By December 2023, Jessie was allocated a brand-new apartment in Perth’s northern suburbs. With the support of our Reconnecting Lives Program, we helped him and his son transition into their new home. This included linking his son into a new school closer to the apartment, connecting Jessie with AOD services and job network providers, supplying furniture, and advocating for him with Child Protective Family Services (CPFS) and other family services.
Jessie has now been working with our Reconnecting Lives team for nearly two years. While the early stages of moving into stable housing after homelessness were tough, Jessie has achieved incredible progress. He has not used AOD for four months, his son has received the support he needs to thrive at school, and Jessie is now in a stable relationship. He is also on his way to getting his driver’s licence and, with the support of a job network provider, has recently gained his forklift licence.
At St Bart’s, we are proud to walk alongside Jessie and his family as they build a brighter future.
‘I’d just like to say a massive thank you to St Bart’s. My son and I were homeless and not in a good place. The help I have received from St Bart’s has been wonderful. My son and I now have a home and are doing great. I still receive support from the wonderful team. Again, thank you to all the staff’.
Dylan’s Story:
In June 2019, Dylan and his young son came to our St Bart’s Family Service looking for safety and support. Dylan was living with severe and complex mental health challenges, had an open CPFS case, and was facing legal and criminal matters. Because of the weight of his illness, taking responsibility for his actions and interactions could be incredibly hard, and at times Dylan’s distress made connection difficult.
In 2020, Dylan was allocated a home through the Department of Communities. Our Reconnecting Lives team walked alongside him every step of the way helping him move in, furnish the house, linking him with external supports, and advocating on his behalf with CPFS, Department of Housing, the courts, hospitals, and health professionals.
For the past five years, we’ve continued to support Dylan to hold onto his tenancy. Hoarding behaviours and the stress of inspections have sometimes resulted in breaches and eviction notices, but by working closely with Dylan and the Department of housing, we’ve helped him keep his home and preserve the stability it brings his son.
Dylan’s journey isn’t without challenges, but it speaks to the quiet strength and perseverance within him. At St Bart’s, we believe hope and resilience grow when people are met with compassion, patience, and unwavering support and we’re honoured to keep walking alongside Dylan and his son as they build a safer, more stable future.
From Barts Plus staff:
“This Father’s Day, we reflect on the many incredible dads who have come through our supported accommodation service over the years. It’s been a privilege to walk alongside them on their journey, especially knowing how limited support can be for single fathers in the community. Some have completed TAFE certificates and built strong connections in their communities for their physical and emotional wellbeing while maintaining a safe a nurturing family home for their children. “
St Bart’s acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land that we live and work on, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We are privileged to work with, and alongside, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and encourage those who are emerging as leaders.
St Bart’s is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We welcome and support the health and wellbeing of all people, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion and gender identity.