Indigenous hope and recovery

Indigenous hope and recovery

What remarkable journeys have people faced head-on against addiction? This episode of All In The Mind heads to The Glen, a male-only drug and alcohol rehab centre on the Central Coast of NSW, run by the Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation, right at the start of NAIDOC Week 2015.

You’ll hear from men like Camilleroy man Chris Gines, who says ice "stripped me of everything" and now speaks about learning to love himself again, and Raymond Welsh, who found his way back to his Aboriginal culture through traditional dance and spiritual connection around the campfire. Their stories sit alongside Ed Deans and Daniel Saifidi, who talk about lost families, prison, and the hard decision to finally put their hand up for help.

CEO Joe Coit outlines The Glen’s abstinence-based approach, built on the 12 steps, cognitive behavioural work and motivational interviewing, while also tackling grief, loss, trauma and even gambling and financial stress. He explains how the rise of ice has changed everything, pushing men into treatment sooner as mental health breaks down quickly.

There’s plenty of structure: early mornings, group therapy around the fire, work programmes, and sport nearly every afternoon—touch footy, surfing, soccer, volleyball, yoga and boxing—with former client and counsellor Glen Collis leading cultural activities, art, dance and fitness. The aim is simple but tough: no drinking, no drugging, and a chance to rediscover joy and purpose without substances.

For anyone curious about how Indigenous values, spirituality and practical support come together to offer "a bit of hope" to men who’ve hit rock bottom, this episode offers raw honesty and hard-earned optimism. Could a story like this be the spark that helps you or someone you care about take that first step towards change?