"The Springboard Program hosted by Communify at Spring Hill, Brisbane"

Recently I attended a program called Springboard in Brisbane.   The program is geared towards individuals who have substance dependence issues alongside mental health concerns ( sometimes known as "Dual Diagnosis").  

I came to this group as a fairly angry individual because of some negative life events and experiences.   With the facilitators, I felt that it was okay just to be me, even though I carry a bit of excess baggage.   This has helped a lot in terms of allowing me to rebuild some pretty broken trust.   It was also really useful to participate in what I consider to be quite a comprehensive program.   I really enjoyed learning and relearning the material and found most of the exercises helpful.   Another thing I liked about the Springboard Program was that for someone in my situation (i.e. long term unemployed) it gave me something to get up for in the morning.   It's hard for many people to be unemployed, no matter what some people say, because days pass by with little in the way of structure, routine and often meaning.  

My participation in the Springboard Program allowed me to park some of my concerns about where I seemed to be in life and where my life seemed to be headed.   It gave me time to think about how to try to rebuild both my life and my sense of self, as well as, I hope the tools to do so.   I think the program is largely evidence-based, with a lot of emphasis placed on factors most conducive to recovery such as; acceptance and self-acceptance, making commitments and taking some personal responsibility, setting realistic goals, establishing healthy relationships and trying to establish optimal exercise, diet, and sleep patterns into one's life.  

I believe that the material correctly identified these elements as essential to recovery and gave enough information to make these things happen.   In the end though, it's probably up to me to take these tools and this information and to run with it.   I will say though, that the Springboard Program certainly made some of these things feel more possible than they did before.   And I feel really fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore these concepts in such a safe and affirming environment.   So thanks.