How Horizon House is helping Rowan find his feet and purpose

3 Apr 2024

Through his own determination, and with the support of the team at Horizon House, Rowan took control of his life and future.

“I was born and raised in Geelong, but I moved away for a year or so when things became difficult at home,” says Rowan. “I moved back to live with Dad, but while I have a good relationship with him, my living circumstances weren’t ideal.

“I was struggling with my mental health – I was diagnosed with depression and psychosis – and my support worker wanted to get me into a better situation. That’s when I was introduced to Horizon House.”

St John of God Horizon House provides a safe home for young people who are at risk of homelessness, offering a stable environment and the support individuals need to develop the life skills and confidence they need to build the life they want.

Unfortunately for Rowan, the day he had his interview for Horizon House, he had a workplace accident that resulted in him breaking his back.

“I was in hospital for three days, and Horizon House was there for me when I was discharged. I had to be in a back brace for eight weeks,” says Rowan. “The Horizon House team has looked after me and is helping me build my confidence and think about the future while I’m recovering.”

Rowan’s injury (he crushed his first vertebra) means he’s on pain medication and undergoing physio. It also means he won’t be able to return to his apprenticeship, so he’s having to rethink his career plans.

He explains, “The Horizon House team is helping me become more independent in lots of different ways. They’re supporting and encouraging me to get out there and do things for myself, from catching public transport and going to appointments by myself through to thinking about my career.”

In the short term, Rowan is considering a job at the local hospital to build his work experience and get some money together so he can live independently. But long term, his sights are set on another career path and much further afield.

“I’m looking at completing my IT traineeship and taking my career in that direction,” says Rowan. “I’d love to get my own place, and I think I’ll get there. I feel more confident and independent. One day, I’d even like to move to Italy.

“Horizon House has helped me realise I don’t have to let negative experiences and challenges that I’ve faced get me down. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. That’s what I’d say to anyone in a similar situation to the one I was in: if you’re in a bad place, Horizon House is an incredible support and they’ll treat you right. You don’t have to give up on your dreams.”