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Case Study - The Living Journeys Project

The Living Journeys Project

In 2008 a grant was allocated to Catholic Community Services to undertake a project with older people who were socially isolated, who had experienced or who were at risk of homelessness. The project focused on individuals 'journeys' throughout life - past, present and future.

Participants were supported to recognise, share and document their personal life experiences/journeys. This process subsequently provided the opportunity for individuals to identify the strengths that they may have previously called upon to make choices and bring about change in their lives, and to understand how these strengths could be utilised in the current context to plan for new journeys and create positive experiences.

As a result, new journeys were planned and undertaken including an overnight trip to the Blue Mountains with a stay at the Palais Royale, attending a two night camp at the Department of Parks and Recreation as part of the Social Justice Program which included kayaking, archery and toasting marshmallows over the campfire, and a day out to the theatre to see the Phantom of the Opera.

Participants commented that they never thought that these things were possible and the experience has led on to participation in new activities. One participant who was previously street homeless for thirteen years is seeking to join a local archery club after being exposed to new recreational activities.