Finding a friend in need
Support worker says experience helps him connect
HAVING come through a difficult childhood and finding a light on the other side, Joshua Flaherty wants to be a guiding light for those drifting toward the edge.
The Anglicare support worker has spent the past six months working to help homeless people.
“My family environment was one of alcohol, domestic violence, and racial abuse,” he said.
“That’s the sort of thing that plays on your emotions at a young age, and makes you feel like there’s nobody you can reach out to.”
Mr Flaherty said he was inspired by his mother, who saw what her children were being exposed to, and gave them the strength to make their own choices.
“She was a victim of those circumstances herself, but a strong woman,” he said.
“The guidance she gave me is what I try to bring to my work.”
“Everyone’s circumstances are different, but no matter who you are, there’s always services available and people you can talk to, even when you have nothing.
“My life experience is my skill set.”
The theme of Homelessness Week this week is “Ending homelessness together”.
Chair of Cairns Housing and Homelessness Network Donna-Maree O’Connor said it was important to understand that homelessness goes beyond the most visible issues.
“People tend to make judgments about alcohol, drug addiction,” she said.
“They tend to focus on the most visible thing, which is people sleeping rough.
“But the issue is about a wider range of people who aren’t visible and stuck couchsurfing or in overcrowded accommodation.”
Ms O’Connor said the number of homeless people in Cairns has gone up to just under 2000 at last count, from 1600 at the last census in 2016.
“As a society we have to come together and say this is not good enough,” she said.