“If there’s something you want to do, do it today. You never know when your life will change in an instant, like mine did.” Ryu, 22.
Here on a working holiday visa from Japan, Ryu was experiencing working life on a farm in the Lockyer Valley region, when the unexpected happened. A serious accident occurred whilst he was on a tractor, leaving him with a significant foot injury that required intensive medical treatment, including surgery, and a long recovery.
Whilst at the Ipswich Hospital, Ryu’s social worker recognised that without family or an established social network, he was at immediate risk of homelessness upon release from the hospital. His recovery would require accommodation with accessible facilities, along with support for his healing, to ensure he could attend his follow-up hospital and GP appointments as part of his WorkCover rehabilitation program before returning to Japan once he received medical clearance.
Reflecting on this extraordinarily tough time, Ryu shares, ‘I kept asking myself, ‘Why me?’ Why can’t I walk anymore? Back then, I had completely lost myself, and honestly, I was a broken man.”
It was at this time that the social worker referred him to the inCommunity Connect team, initially to our Youth Mobile Support Program. Our case management team quickly recognised that there were limited housing options available to Ryu, and we needed to think outside the box to support him during this uncertain time. So the inCommunity Connect team liaised with the Department of Housing and Public Works to confirm their support for Ryu’s entry into our Hargreaves House Youth Crisis Accommodation program for a short stay, as an older resident at 22 years of age, following a vacancy becoming available.
Upon his arrival at Hargreaves House, it became clear to the on-site case management team that Ryu was experiencing significant challenges in addition to housing insecurity following his release from the hospital.
With Japanese as his first language, to ensure Ryu understood the referral and intake process for the Hargreaves House program, the case management team accessed the TIS (Translating and Interpreting Service) so that he understood how the program works and his responsibilities as a resident. In more informal moments during his stay, Ryu, the case managers, and other residents would access online translation tools when needed to keep the conversations flowing while building connections.
What also became very clear to the case management team was the significant support Ryu required in his day-to-day life, such as preparing meals in the kitchen. From the very beginning, other residents of Hargreaves House readily supported him, taking his plate of food to the dining table and ensuring he was comfortable in his seat.
In Ryu’s words, “You stayed by my side. The housemates were there for me, and the staff supported me in so many ways, and spoke to me with kindness. Because of you, my trauma has slowly faded and I can finally sleep through the night again.”
In the supportive environment of Hargreaves House, Ryu commenced his healing and recovery with the support of the case management team, who attended with him many of his specialist appointments, GP medical appointments, and discussions with WorkCover.
While he steadily worked towards his goal of medical clearance, so he could return to Japan and be with his family, he also drew on his own resilience. He began physical activity and eventually returned to the gym, where he gradually increased his strength and confidence—a welcome return for Ryu, a champion boxer who enjoys staying fit.
Ryu also shared details of life in Japan with other residents and the case management team, introducing some Japanese language and creating moments of cultural exchange, enhancing the experience of his stay for all.
After receiving medical clearance and on his final day at Hargreaves House, Ryu ventured to the park with some paints and canvases, returning with these three beautiful artworks (pictured here) as a thank you to the case management team for their support.
Reflecting on his short stay, Ryu shares, “My time here made me think deeply about what truly matters in life. Meeting all of you and being supported by you is something I’ll be forever grateful for. Back in Japan, I’ll keep pushing myself and I’ll come back to Australia as fast as I can. Life only exists in today, so live every day in a way that’s fun, cool and without regrets.”
With such a positive mindset, we have no doubt Ryu will be back as soon as he can so he can continue his adventure around Australia. And we hope he stops by on his way, so we can wish him well on his travels!
