“I roll a little bit further now”: Steve’s story

After years of service as a National Serviceman and a long recovery journey, former firefighter Steve is living independently at home with support from Open Arms peer worker Lillie.

Steve first connected with Open Arms while in hospital after his second leg amputation. Friends thought he might benefit from company and support, so Lillie began visiting him while he recovered.

“Originally it was hospital visits… buy him a coffee, just have a chat… providing that social engagement and someone who’s a person rather than just medical staff,” Lillie says.

For Steve, those visits helped break up long days in hospital and, later, long days at home. “It got me out of the hospital and got me out of the house… I was every day in the chair, going around and around in circles at home,” he says.

When Steve left hospital, the focus became helping him stay at home safely and comfortably.

“It’s unusual for someone to have both legs amputated and still be at home and living independently,” Lillie says. “And that was a big thing for Steve.”

Small changes around the house have helped Steve keep living in a place that feels familiar. “She’s made everything workable so I can live at home,” he says.

“It’s just a few small things… that can make the world of difference,” Lillie says.

Lillie also helped Steve find more ways to connect with people outside the house, including through an Aged Social Visitor Scheme and a local community centre.

For Lillie, peer support starts with listening. “There’s no set recipe… you’re guided by the client and what they need,” she says.

“She knows exactly what I want… I don’t know how she knows it, but she does,” he says. “She’s been bloody fantastic.”

Steve says other veterans should give peer support a try. “Having someone there to help you and guide you makes a great difference… try it and just talk to the people.”

For Steve, the difference Lillie has made is clear. “I’m pretty lucky to have her,” he says.

“I never thought I'd be out of the house really. That was the story of my life. I'd roll around the house all day. But Lil has made sure I roll a little bit further now.”  

To learn more about Open Arms services and how they can support you or someone you care about, contact us at any time, day or night on 1800 011 046.