Michael Young (Bear)

"From Isolation to Connection: Bear's Journey with Orange Sky"‍

In the heart of Mackay, Michael "Bear" Young's story unfolds as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of genuine care and human connection. Through his experiences with Orange Sky, Bear has found not just practical support, but a pathway to reclaiming his dignity and sense of self-worth.

Bear's journey to Orange Sky was marked by significant challenges. A serious accident in 2005 led to nerve damage and addiction to prescription drugs. The loss of his father to dementia further compounded his struggles, pushing him into a deep depression. "When my father died, I just lost the plot. I didn't care anymore," Bear recalls.

It was in this state of crisis that Bear found his way to Orange Sky. What began as a simple need to do laundry evolved into something far more profound. "Apart from being able to do my washing, it was the companionship," Bear explains. The volunteers at Orange Sky provided more than just clean clothes; they offered a listening ear and a non-judgmental presence that proved crucial to Bear's recovery.

One of the most striking aspects of Bear's story is his emphasis on the genuine care he experiences at Orange Sky. "Orange Sky are volunteers. They care because they care, not because they're paid to care. And that is a huge difference," he states. This authenticity of connection has been instrumental in helping Bear confront his past and look towards the future.

Bear's experiences highlight the profound impact of loneliness and social isolation on mental health and well-being. "When you're lonely, you feel forgotten. And when you feel forgotten, you stop caring about yourself, your situation," he observes. Orange Sky has provided a crucial counterpoint to these feelings, offering a space where Bear feels valued and understood.

The dignity afforded by Orange Sky's services is another key theme in Bear's story. "It gives us, it sounds cliché, but it actually gives us dignity here. Whereas everywhere else, if you're poor, homeless, living in housing, you're treated like a second class citizen by most people," he shares. This restoration of dignity has been a cornerstone of Bear's recovery process.

Looking to the future, Bear is focused on improving his health and finding more stable accommodation. He credits Orange Sky with providing the support that allows him to work towards these goals. "This is the one place that I feel safe. I feel wanted. And it's somewhere where if I want to socialise, I can. If I don't want to socialise, I don't have to. And people will be there for me," he explains.

Bear's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that genuine care and connection can have on an individual's life. It underscores the importance of non-judgmental support and the role that organizations like Orange Sky play in combating loneliness and social isolation. Through the simple act of providing laundry services and conversation, Orange Sky has helped Bear and countless others find a path back to dignity, self-worth, and hope for the future.

As Bear's journey continues, his story stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of community support. It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound changes begin with the simplest acts of kindness and connection.