Flying high: Bradley’s story
Jun 30, 2022
Bradley Marshall has been attending the CBS social hubs for just six months and is really feeling the benefits. He has dealt with mental health issues for a number of years and had closed himself off from the world. Wanting to do something about it, he researched social groups in Hobart and the warm, welcoming and supportive environment of the CBS hubs looked to be a good fit. He started out one day a week to see how he felt and ease into things. He enjoyed it so much, he’s now attending up to three days a week and loving it.
“I’ve found social interaction has gotten easier, I can initiate conversations and right from the word go down at the hub, I’ve always felt included, I’ve always been part of whatever’s going on.” says Bradley.
Joining the social hubs was a big change for Bradley, getting him out of his comfort zone and trying new things. He says it’s been good to just jump in and go for it, a prime example being a go-karting outing. “I felt comfortable doing it, being around everyone with no pressure and I’m glad to see it back on the next program.”
Beth, Bradley’s Mum, has seen a big change in her son, saying “I think this has given him confidence and it will build up steadily. It’s given him the freedom that he didn’t realise he had.” Bradley goes one step further, calling the hubs experience “Empowering and liberating.” He’s used his new-found independence to meet new social hub acquaintances out and about in the community and now regularly joins his family on outings.
When staying in at the hub, Bradley’s really enjoyed learning to play pool in a warm and welcoming setting. “That was one of the things that got the ball rolling on my first day, pun not intended”, Bradley says with a smile. “It’s just nice, sharing a game with people and if you mess up it doesn’t matter.”
Bradley is a huge aviation fan and hopes to one day go on a scenic flight to Tassie’s southwest. He really enjoyed a taster at Par Avion in Cambridge recently. Getting to sit in the aircraft and touring the facility was a highlight of the social hub program for him.
Bradley is quick to sing the praises of the CBS staff and particularly their personal approach to everyone at the hubs. “They’re fantastic, they get around everyone equally and share their time with everyone.” says Bradley. He’s also very grateful for their efforts to accommodate people’s needs with no request too difficult. Beth joins in saying “The carers are just fabulous, they’re friendly and they’re his peers.”
We asked Bradley if joining the hubs was a good decision. “I couldn’t imagine life without it.”
Bradley attends the social hubs, which are just one of many services CBS offers to connect with friends, maximise independence and enjoy the social part of life. Call us on 1300 227 827 to arrange a trial at one of our social hubs in Hobart or Launceston.