Client stories

A new start for Rose

I was born in Syria. I was referred to the DPV Health Homelessness Service after escaping family violence, with my younger brother. My brother has Downs Syndrome. He has many medical appointments and is supported by the NDIS. All I wanted was a safe and stable roof over our heads andto live free from violence. My DPV Health case manager was a great advocate for my brother and me. In the middle of the COVID lockdown in May 2020, we were offered a two bedroom transitional property. My DPV Health case manager helped us apply for a Family Violence Support Package. We were given new furniture, sensory/ educational toys for my brother, and other things to help us make a home. My case manager and an immigration lawyer helped me travel to Iraq to visit my fiancé. During my visit, I fell pregnant. On my return, I was referred to the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies program at DPV Health and given practical advice and support to manage my pregnancy. I spend my days looking after my baby and my young brother. I’m excited about being a united and happy family when my fiancé comes to Australia and one day furthering my education.

Smoothing the way in early speech development

Jack’s family brought him to the speech pathology team at DPV Health when he developed a stutter after his third birthday. When we first met him for an assessment in February 2021, Jack had been stuttering for almost 12 months.

Jack’s speech pathologist recommended the Lidcombe Program of Early Stuttering Intervention. The therapist worked with Jack face-to-face at the clinic and via telehealth and modelled the therapy for his mother to apply at home. Jack is now in Lidcombe Stage 2. He’s speaking more fluently, and his parents say he’s much more confident when talking to other people. The speech pathology team will work closely with the family over the next 12 months to monitor Jack’s progress.

client stories

Letizia embraces the future

I grew up in a Latin American country. Spanish was my first language, and I learnt English overseas. In my late twenties, I came to Australia, then bought my parents a house and supported them to migrate to Melbourne. My partner and I are trying to start a family using IVF. The process is stressful, but we are trying to stay positive as we prepare for pregnancy and parenting. When I went on leave because workplace stress affected my mental health, my alcohol and other drugs counsellor suggested general counselling with DPV Health to help me with underlying issues related to past alcohol abuse.

I contacted the DPV Health counselling team in August 2020. I liked the psychologist straight away. I felt understood and more in charge of my life.