Yiliyapinya

I like coming to Yili because everyone gets me. –Drew

Before Yili, I wasn’t in school for more than a year. I’d been suspended a lot, and I was angry all the time. I didn’t trust people. I didn’t know how to talk to people without getting into fights. I didn’t know how to act, especially with females, and I didn’t care.

When I first came to Yiliyapinya, I didn’t feel safe. I didn’t want to join in anything. Team sports were too much – I didn’t like being touched, and I didn’t think I was any good anyway. I’d say mean things to other kids to try and connect. I just didn’t know any other way. But the people at Yili didn’t give up on me. They helped me work on my brain health and find better ways to deal with my feelings – not by yelling or shutting down, but by talking and learning new ways to cope. We did all sorts of stuff: carpentry in the ‘Made by Mob’ program, music, painting, podcasting, even virtual reality experiences to help learn life skills. I’ve done didgeridoo lessons and cultural activities that helped me connect to my roots. The camps were deadly.

Little by little, I started to change. I tried new things without giving up. I got better at talking to people, even my teachers. I started asking questions about my culture, wanting to learn more. I’ve also started seeing my mum again. I stay with her a few nights a week now. The team at Yili helped both of us with our relationship, and I can talk to her more easily.

Now I’m back at school full-time. That’s something I never thought would happen. I’m learning again, and I know I can go back to Yiliyapinya whenever I need to. It’s my safe place.