PHARMACIST Krysti-Lee Patterson participated at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout last week, as a way of giving back to the charity that once supported her family when she was a child.
Now, as Managing Director of Meitheal Services and current Chair of Lived Experience Australia, Patterson wants to shed light on Vinnies' work within the community.
"I am a passionate advocate for mental health, and it is important to raise awareness of the impact homelessness or the risk of it on the mind's wellbeing," Patterson explained.
"I wanted to participate as I have also referred patients to Vinnies for support in paying for their medications," she added.
During the event, Patterson, along with Guild NSW branch committee member Christine Kelly and branch Director Daniel Kicuroski, role-played the experience of seeking support.
"We found the process very frustrating, and an eye-opener, revealing the cracks in our system that let people down," she said.
"However, witnessing the amazing work Vinnies does to fill these gaps and navigate the maze of seeking support was incredible," she remarked.
The pharmacists also heard about people's experiences which highlighted that homelessness does not discriminate.
"We then spent the night under the stars with just a sheet of cardboard to protect us from the elements," Patterson concluded.
Pictured: Patterson, Kelly, and Kicuroski at the Vinnies Sleepout.
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