MANDY SMITH, CO-FACILITATOR OF OUR COMPASS RELAPSE PREVENTION PROGRAM

Mandy Smith is a volunteer with Mission Australia and is co-facilitator of our COMPASS (Relapse Prevention Program) at the Mission Australia Centre in Surry Hills. Mandy graduated with a Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and now utilises her skills to share her expertise and experience to help improve the lives of our clients. She helps MA clients stay off drugs by giving them strategies to steer away from triggers and old habits, and create more self awareness and self-confidence.

Mandy meets with our clients every Thursday for a 2 hour workshop and generously arrives with some home baked cookies, slices or cakes as well – which are always devoured quickly by MA clients and staff.

Mandy continues to be inspired to volunteer by the clients in the COMPASS program, as she views our clients as a ‘gift’ to her because of the strength and hope they inspire in her through their honesty and determination. Our clients have difficult and heart breaking pasts that have led them to her. With every attempt that they make to stay off drugs – which is often ‘hard yakka’ for her as well, we hope and faith are restored as is the love she has for what she does.

Mandy commended the staff at the MAC for the support that she received for the workshops she facilitates. She has also said that she really enjoys the positive, professional and friendly environment that they build.

Although Mandy sees those that she helps to be a ‘gift’ to her – Mandy is also a gift to Mission Australia through her volunteering. Her devoted passion and time enable people find a better life, and is inspiring and greatly appreciated by everyone at Mission Australia.

Thank you Mandy!

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