"I felt at home every time I walked into the Centre..."
My name is Fadzai from Zimbabwe. I was introduced to St Vincent Support Centre by Refugee Council when my NASS support had been terminated. I had had enough of being referred to different organisations which unfortunately could not offer me any tangible help. I was very wary about going to St Vincent but as the Centre was a walking distance from town (I could not afford to buy a bus pass) l decided to go.
When l arrived, the atmosphere was very different. They were so many people there who were in the same situation as me. I was welcomed in a very informal and friendly way. There were no formalities - just a smiley face who showed a genuine desire to assist. I also received a food parcel, winter clothes for me and my baby. I was advised to come back to pick up items for hospital as l was heavily pregnant. In all the dealings l had with the staff, they were non judgemental and they never asked me intrusive questions. I felt at home each time l walked into the Centre. From then onwards, when l was feeling low l would go to the centre just to get the opportunity to speak to someone.
On my many visits at the Centre, I was also given help with my maths as l was studying at college. When l finished my course, l applied to study a social work degree at the University. During the course of my study, l was asked to do a work placement and l could not believe it when l was given the chance of doing it at St Vincent’s! I was happy to be going back to the Centre - not for help, but to help others who found themselves in need of a helping hand and someone to talk to.
Through my own experience, l have managed to offer help to those who pass through St Vincent’s doors. I found out that l was in a better position to understand their feelings and knew how best l could offer assistance. In some cases, the only help we could offer was just listening and talking, but this was enough to make them feel much better. It has been very rewarding to me and l am sure to those that l worked with because l am living proof that things may change for the better.