CHATR IMPACT STORY
BONITA – QLD PARTICIPANT
When Bonita first engaged with Chatr CHEERS program, she was employed but had stopped receiving regular shifts. While this initially appeared to be an employment issue, it quickly became clear that much deeper barriers were affecting her ability to move forward. Bonita was experiencing significant anxiety, PTSD symptoms, depression, and suicidal ideation. She was also navigating the emotional impact of an unhealthy relationship, alongside social isolation and financial stress. Together, these barriers had left her feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and questioning her future.
Support focused on addressing the barriers beneath the surface. Through trauma-informed counselling, Bonita developed practical strategies to manage anxiety, understand her PTSD symptoms, strengthen emotional regulation, and recognise early warning signs when her mental health was deteriorating. Alongside counselling, strong advocacy and coordinated support were provided to connect Bonita with her GP, mental health services, and community supports, ensuring continuity of care and reducing barriers to accessing treatment. A comprehensive safety plan was developed and regularly reviewed, while sessions focused on rebuilding healthy routines, strengthening protective factors, and restoring confidence. Employment remained a consistent focus throughout, supporting Bonita to rebuild belief in her abilities and confidently pursue new opportunities.
As her wellbeing improved, so did her confidence. Bonita reported a significant reduction in anxiety and now manages difficult moments using the strategies developed through counselling. She has re-established healthy routines, returned to regular exercise, and reconnected with supportive family and friends. Most importantly, she has successfully returned to employment–an outcome that reflects the significant progress she has made in strengthening her emotional wellbeing, rebuilding her confidence, and developing the resilience needed to move forward with stability and independence.
Bonita has moved from surviving crisis to actively planning for her future. She now approaches life with greater resilience, renewed confidence, and the belief that she is capable of achieving the goals she has set for herself.
Her journey demonstrates the impact of combining trauma-informed counselling with practical advocacy and coordinated support-addressing the barriers beneath the surface and helping participants rebuild emotional wellbeing, restore hope, and confidently move towards long-term independence.
“I would 110% recommend you to everyone, you are one of the most supportive individuals I’ve ever met, you’ve helped me so much. You are the best at your job!”
BONITA – QLD