Jack’s Story

Jack (changed name) was released after serving half of his two year sentence for drink driving causing injury. He had good support from his family but was concerned about the re-integration process. The direct victim of his crime was his partner at the time who sustained brain damage in the car accident and now requires full time care.

The family of his partner remained very angry and hurt from the time of the accident and had blocked him from having direct contact with his partner – though she had personally requested it. Jack was able to complete the Sycamore Tree Programme and displayed a large amount of remorse for his actions. He could understand why the family remained angry with him but was finding it difficult to not be able to provide support to his partner of many years in her time of obvious need.

Jack realized that his heavy drinking was a time bomb waiting to happen and that for him to make positive changes he needed to change his alcoholic life style. Since his release he has attended the weekly Pathway/Drug Arm Drug and Alcohol support group which has helped him to achieve his goal of remaining alcohol free. After his release it became clear that Jack was still having trouble dealing with the events of the accident. He was not sleeping and reported that he not slept more than three hours at a time since the time of the accident – now some two years ago.

This had affected his ability to concentrate and move in to employment. With our support we were able to get him into counselling and with the support of medication he is now sleeping through the night and was again applying for employment. Jack completed the community work days and after eight months out is working towards his own goals. Jack’s parents provided the following feedback - “Thank you for being there for people like our Jack and supporting them unconditionally when they are feeling so alone and not knowing who to turn to”. The last word belongs to Jack who when asked what do you considered to be the most important thing you have achieved since your release Jack replied “staying alcohol free and knowing that I have support”.