It’s all about giving back
Before joining Each, Jenny worked as a community engagement officer for Safe Haven Hubs in the Northern Rivers, NSW.
Seeking to be closer to her family, she relocated to Melbourne and began looking for new opportunities.That’s when she discovered the AOD Lived Experience Educator role at Each.
For Jenny, this role was more than a career move – it was a chance to give back in the same way she had once been supported. It felt like the perfect fit.
“With an extensive 22-year background as a drug and alcohol support worker, informed by my own extensive lived experience with AOD, coupled with years of study in this field, this role immediately resonated with me,” said Jenny.
“It presents an exciting opportunity to give back and extend the same support that was invaluable to me during my substance use years and throughout my recovery journey.”
A warm welcome
From the moment she joined Each, Jenny felt welcomed and supported. Her team provided the patience, encouragement, and guidance she needed to settle into her role.
“The organisation itself seemed very open to diverse opinions and was highly supportive of lived and living experiences," Jenny recalled.
"Management fostered an environment that welcomed input from everyone, including myself, without micromanaging.”
Relocating to a new state and starting a new role wasn’t easy, but Jenny never felt alone. The kindness and support of her team made all the difference.
There wasn't one specific moment that stood out, but rather the ongoing kindness and understanding from the team as I navigated personal challenges and the stress of relocating to another state.
— Jenny
“They were consistently mindful of my circumstances, provided clear guidance on my work and gave me the time I needed to settle in. Their gentle encouragement helped me grasp the role and work plan effectively. This experience was truly humbling.”
Embracing challenges and growth
Like any new role, Jenny’s transition came with challenges. While she had extensive experience in peer support, her new responsibilities required her to shift focus – providing supervision and training for support workers rather than working directly with clients.
“This transition represented a significant challenge and a steep learning curve,” she admitted.
At times, Jenny questioned if she truly belonged in her role. But a simple reminder from her team leader changed everything – her lived experience, her skills and her perspective were invaluable. That moment solidified her place as a leader.
“Her encouragement not only reinforced my sense of worth but also solidified my place within the leadership team,” said Jenny.
Finding fulfillment
For jenny, the most rewarding aspect of her role is the interaction with the peer workers.
She enjoys one-on-one supervision/co-reflection, group co-reflection sessions, where she fosters meaningful discussions and learns from the unique perspectives of others.
“What I enjoy most about my role is the interaction with the peer workers,” she said.
“I hold enormous admiration for the peer workers and the invaluable insights they bring. These interactions provide a real sense of connection, and I find that I learn a great deal from them as we share our experiences, struggles, and challenges.”
This sense of mutual learning and support keeps Jenny motivated and inspired.
Advice for future team members
Jenny believes that collaboration, openness and a sense of humour are essential for thriving in her department.
She encourages anyone considering joining to embrace teamwork and be willing to share both their successes and challenges.
“Fostering teamwork, maintaining a sense of humour and embracing openness are essential to our collaborative efforts on projects and problem-solving tasks,” she shared.
“By sharing both our successes and challenges, we enhance our understanding and continuously improve the quality of what we deliver to Each.
Looking ahead
Jenny is passionate about continuing her work in AOD lived experience roles, with aspirations to support others in their recovery journeys. She hopes to share her insights and create meaningful change in the field.
“By sharing my experiences, learning from others, and supporting their recovery journeys, I feel I can make a real difference by giving back to the community,” Jenny said.
Jenny’s journey proves that lived experience isn’t just valuable—it’s transformative. Her work at Each is creating change, breaking down barriers, and inspiring others to do the same.
