From rock bottom to a future full of promise

When Amanda Simons first connected with MRAEL’s Parent Pathways program, she was trying to rebuild a life that had run off course. After experiencing addiction for more than a decade, the Mackay mum of two had reached a point where she knew something had to change.

“I was just fed up with it,” Amanda said. “I’ve got these two beautiful kids and I didn’t want to go down that path anymore because it was looking very dark on my end. It was life or death.”

Amanda connected with drug and alcohol counselling service Lives Lived Well and, once eligible, joined MRAEL’s Parent Pathways program. She said making lasting changes meant stepping away from parts of her old life and surrounding herself with people who genuinely wanted to see her succeed.

“You definitely need people in your corner who are going to support you and give you that chance,” Amanda said. “The ladies at Parent Pathways had become like my friends, not even just my mentors, but my support network.”

Parent Pathways is delivered by MRAEL in partnership with the Australian Government and supports parents and carers of children under six to plan their next steps at a pace that works for their family. Support can include tailored career guidance, training and short courses, financial assistance and help accessing other services.

Beyond helping with her employment goals, the program became an important source of support in Amanda’s recovery. From her very first appointments, Amanda said she felt welcomed rather than judged by her past.

“It was such a beautiful place to walk into. So welcoming,” she said. “You know when you get that feeling when somebody’s actually there to help you? I never felt like it was too much for them. They were always willing to go above and beyond.”

That support was practical as well as personal. During her time with Parent Pathways, Amanda received assistance with a laptop for study, a White Card, her forklift licence, First Aid and CPR training, and work-related items such as boots and work clothes.

But just as important, she said, was having people recognise her progress.

“The team helped lift me emotionally as well, just in certain conversations and giving me praise where usually I wouldn’t get praise,” Amanda said. “They kept assuring me I’d made some big changes, and they’re all for the best.”

Amanda’s renewed confidence and willingness to try new things also helped her change things at home. She said being more present and focused had strengthened her relationship with her children and helped rebuild trust.

“They’ve seen me struggle but they’ve also seen me rise from the ashes of my own destruction,” she said. “I have to be humble and say to them, I haven’t been the best because of my past, but I’m showing up now and prioritising their future.”

“They can trust me. If I say that I’m going to turn up somewhere, then I’m there.”

Having now exited Parent Pathways, Amanda is focused on building greater stability for her family. She is also drawing on her own experience to support other women facing addiction, something she describes as close to her heart.

Amanda is open about her past, but equally determined not to let it define her future.

“We all go through some bad stuff, but it’s what you do to pick yourself up and keep going,” she said.

Her message to others facing similar circumstances is grounded in her own experience.

“With the right decisions, right choices and right people in your life, you can go from rock bottom to living a normal, everyday life,” Amanda said. “There are always going to be people who are going to judge you. You just need to find the people who are going to support you and help you see that what you’re doing is amazing.”