Christine Tenney | Southern Cross Co op

I came home after work one day in 2013, and my husband of 43 years told me I had one hour to pack and to leave our home and his life. I had nowhere to go, I hadn’t seen my family in almost three decades and I felt like I had no future.

I drove to southern NSW and attempted to take my life. I was found just in time, but I spent the next year struggling with my mental health and sense of self worth. I made it back to Ballarat and had a difficult time finding stable housing. I will always be thankful that one of my support workers encouraged me to apply for co op housing. After moving into Southern Cross Co op, it took three years from my darkest day for me to finally see a future again.

Being part of my co op community was an important part of the healing process. I have now been in my co op for six years and am currently the Maintenance Director. When I came into the Engagement Co ordinator group I went through a lot of anxiety and lack confidence, but through the process I have realised I can communicate and listen. It has taken me back to what I was earlier in my life a human being committed to positive and good ethics. I am very honoured I was given the opportunity to meet so many co op members during my time as an Engagement Co ordinator. The project will bring a positive outcome for all. We will all move forward together. I would love to thank the team for all the hard work and training that was provided.