Hi everyone. I am fundraising for my incredible friend Jess. This is her story, told by her.

“My name is Jess. I have always dreamt of having a safe home where I can finally unpack my bags. I am currently facing the possibility of homelessness again.

I live on the Disability Support Pension and have no family support network to fall back on. After a lifetime of instability, I wish more than anything to be able to consistently focus on my health, continue my advocacy work, and begin to heal.

Finding suitable housing is especially difficult because I have my service dog Ibsen who supports me with my disabilities. Unfortunately, many people misunderstand his role and see him as a pet rather than an essential support animal, which has created additional barriers to securing safe accommodation.

Alongside housing insecurity, I am living with complex health conditions, including Complex Post Traumatic Disorder (CPTSD), Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). In 2023, I became seriously unwell and had to relearn how to walk and talk. While I have worked incredibly hard in my recovery, I continue to need specialist medical care that I cannot afford.

I am currently trying to access a neurologist so I can be medically assessed and hopefully cleared to drive again. I also need ongoing specialist support for my health conditions, but the costs are beyond my reach. The public health system often provides support only when people are in crisis, leaving limited access to the longer-term care I need.

Despite these challenges, I have dedicated myself to advocacy for survivors of sexual assault, family violence, and child sexual abuse. I have spent countless hours volunteering, conducting research, participating in campaigns, raising awareness, and sharing my own lived experience in the hope of helping others and creating meaningful change.

In March, I publicly shared my story to support awareness and advocacy efforts.

Like all survivors who speak out, I received no payment for doing so. I continue this work because I believe change is possible and because I know how important it is for survivors to have their voices heard.

I am also an artist, and creativity has become an important part of both my healing and advocacy. Through art, I explore experiences of trauma, resilience, recovery, and hope. However, the reality of living on a disability pension means I often cannot afford the supplies needed to continue creating this work.

The funds raised through this campaign will help Ibsen and I:

• Secure safe and stable housing

• Prevent homelessness

• Access specialist medical care and assessments

• Cover healthcare and treatment costs

• Purchase art supplies to continue my advocacy and creative work

• Create the stability needed to continue advocating for survivors and vulnerable people

Any small amount will be genuinely life-changing. I am currently also looking for a space to display my art in an exhibition space, so if you’re strapped for cash, but know of a space, that would be so so helpful!

Thank you so much for following and supporting me and Ibsen on this journey. It means the world.”