Ting Ting's Story of Recovery

My name is Ting Ting. I have been receiving care and support at Lou's Place for a year now. I left a toxic, painful relationship and came to Sydney all alone. I struggled to pay $10 for a load of washing. While studying teaching at Sydney University, a classmate recommended Lou's Place. She said I could get all my washing done for free. It was such a big relief. Guess what? I found out that Lou's Place is a lovely, beautiful place, filled with amazing ladies. While waiting for my washing, I tried lunch here. The food is the best. It's freshly cooked, filled with loved, with all kinds of meat and veggies.

The lawyer, Tara, helped me find justice. She put the man who assaulted me on the train in gaol. She found me a stable place to live, so I can focus on studying and teaching. I joined a yoga class, learning about breathing techniques and practising self-awareness. I had a massage; I was so spoiled! I feel relaxed and alive. I also had my counselling here. I joined art class, creative writing, even a sewing class. I gave it a go, trying to be open-minded. All of these classes are really therapeutic. In art class, I can focus on the moment, only thinking about the beautiful things in life. In creative writing class, I had to practise writing using my five senses. Later on, I couldn't stop. I started writing in my own journal, trying to get closure for myself.

I am healing. I feel safe. I feel I belong here; it's my community. I learnt how to be assertive, how to stand up for myself, how to care for myself with compassion. I can see hope in life again. I guess I am no longer depressed. At the end, I want to express my appreciation to all the ladies at Lou's Place. Thank you for your smiling patience, care and empathy. I am always welcome here. I have never once felt judged. Everyone goes out of their way to provide support and professional services with devotion. That's what I hear from other clients too.