20 Years of CoMHWA – Michael’s Story

As CoMHWA celebrates 20 years of service to the Western Australian community, we’re proud to share the voices of people whose lives have been positively impacted by our work. Michael Payne reflects on his journey of growth, learning, and renewed purpose through CoMHWA’s community groups and trainings.

“Congratulations to CoMHWA on 20 years of this very essential service you have brought to the people of W.A. Having used the CoMHWA-in-the-community groups in 2024 and done many In-Person and On-Line trainings with them I, Michael Payne, have learnt to direct myself with consideration of my boundaries and focus my energies on what is important to my life.

This includes acknowledging others by way of allowing myself the necessary energy when I choose to be able to give myself to others in a more purposeful way. It means I no longer waste my energy people-pleasing others and has developed me as a person in the social and work/study areas of my life. It has also allowed me to regain my sleep patterns to a very large degree, also.

CoMHWA-in-the-community groups also introduced me to Casson Communities where I have had tremendous fun, interaction and growth with Gardening, Photography and a particular type of Art Therapy very special to me called Neurographic Art. I am very glad to have met with the people of CoMHWA and congratulate them on a very important service to the Western Australian community. My family also agree that they have really helped me improve my relationship with most everyone around me.

Once again, CoMHWA have in a very real sense increased my social and work/study skills and relationships and for that I am truly grateful. Not having worked for the best part of a decade due to Mental Health and AoD concerns I am now currently studying and fruitfully looking toward meaningful employment and am already enjoying a very much improved meaningful life thanks to CoMHWA and its trainings, support and navigation services.” – Michael Payne

Thank you Michael!