She was institutionalised on and off, struggled with her mental illness coupled with drug addiction, while also suffering a cycle of abuse.

“My lowest point would have been being beaten on a daily basis, assaulted by my partner, and then there was the drugs,” Annabel said.

“The most help I got was from a domestic violence service and WRAD, who re-housed me and I engaged in counselling there and moved forward and went back to school.”

Clean for 12 years, Annabel now works in mental health herself and is enjoying the good life.

“I live in a magnificent little town, I live in a beautiful home, I work two part-time jobs, I have four healthy children who are all still at school and achieving well, the cycle hasn’t repeated itself and now it’s just a fight for others and social acceptance,” she said. Annabel was among the crowd gathered to launch new book The WRAD Tapestry, which documents the organisation’s work and includes contributions from its clients. 

“I think it’s amazing and it’s great to hear people speaking out and it being part of their recovery now,” Annabel said.

WRAD director Geoff Soma said the book helped break down barriers about substance abuse and mental health, while also recording the organisation’s achievements.

“The Tapestry has pulled together some excellent examples of what can be done and they need to be celebrated and recorded to remind us of what is possible when we unite together,” he said.

“The art and creativity being produced through a number of different projects over the years has hopefully broken down some of the stigma around alcohol and drugs and mental health.”

WRAD improved services initiative co-ordinator Angela Alexander said the book was an important milestone.

“The WRAD Tapestry represents to me the power of the people coming together, I hope the future continues to grow and develop many more opportunities to do so,” she said.

The book was compiled by Rick Bayne and designed by Fiona Fitzgerald.

*Not her real name