Bill's story

“When I first met Bill 7 years ago he struggled to manage day-to-day. He has such determination and tenacity and it has been lovely to watch his self-esteem and belief in himself grow. I think it has been important for him helping shape the development of Sprout” John – Sprout Program Manager

Bill has travelled a long way since leaving Perth in 1989. He arrived in Melbourne psychologically scarred as a result of schizophrenia and family and drug problems, and spent long spells in hospital.

Now he is thriving – thanks to Sprout, a Richmond Fellowship horticulture therapy program that he says has changed his life.

“It’s like another environment or country here,” he says. “I’m more happy and I’m learning new skills.”

Bill, 35, is teaching Richmond Fellowship clients gardening and landscaping, so he has come full circle since he first visited the Thornbury site five years ago.

His personal passion is pyrography (wood burning), an exacting process in which specialist equipment is used to render images and text onto timber. “If you make a mistake, you can’t rub it off,” he says.

He makes planter boxes, clocks, signs and garden sticks, and is eyeing opportunities to build on recent sales.

Bill spoke about his work to to a packed audience at last year’s Horticulture Therapy Association of Victoria conference, attracting a donation for Sprout from a family trust. The money was used to buy woodworking equipment, which helps manager John and his colleagues produce innovative outdoor furniture.

From a once-weekly visitor, Bill is now a six day a week fixture at Sprout. He enjoys the camaraderie and team spirit fostered by working closely with others, and more than an occasional laugh with John, who has provided important support as part of Bill’s ongoing recovery.

Importantly, Bill is using his lived experience and the confidence he has developed at Sprout to help others get through challenges similar to those he has faced.

^ back to top