Neil Morley opens up about his incredible journey from a challenging upbringing to finding success and fulfillment in Australia. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and following your heart.

Biography

I was born in Liverpool UK and raised by my grandmother who had 11 children. She raised me as number 12. My mother has always had mental health issues and still does today, I have never met my father.

I grew up in a council flat (Government housing) when I was around 12, we moved to a different government housing estate that was plagued with heroin addicts. While living in this area, I was always worried about going outside and was constantly in flight or flight mode.

I was beaten up an a number of occasions. I left school at 16 and did Music and Drama, I did plays/musicals in Europe and I also sing and play guitar. I have done this for a living when I was in my early 20's and played at local pubs and clubs.

Just before my 20th birthday I applied for a Working Holiday Visa for Australia and spent 1 year in Australia in 1995-1996, this was the best year of my life up to that point. I have been a camp councilor with African American kids in the USA teaching music and football (Soccer). have worked as a residential social worker at a boarding school with kids who were close to going to kids prison.

I also worked with adults and children with Autism and did 3 years at a London High school as a Learning Mentor. I have since gone on to get married, have 2 children and owned a recruitment business for close to 14 years. The last year has been by far the most challenging year I have had.Edit Hero Background

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Dan Grey grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and loves to surf. He had a loving and nurturing childhood with strong familial relationships and connections to nature.

He was academically challenged due to ADHD, which required extra support in school and medication during high school that significantly improved his grades. He studied public health and community services, reflecting his interest in community well-being and human connection.

Dan’s passion is music, playing the drums, and enjoys entering a flow state through the creative aspects of music.

He emphasises the importance of meditation and connecting with nature in his daily routine to maintain mental and emotional health. Dan expresses a strong desire to work in the music industry and make a difference by creating community-based spaces for connection, meditation and healing.

Dan describes the challenges of transitioning between tasks and managing distractions, which are significant aspect of his neurodiversity. He also describes the stigma and experiences of neurodiverse individuals.

He is determined to create supportive resources and communities to help others facing similar challenges and contribute to the health and well-being of others.

‘Music has been such a healing thing for me; singing, live music and listening to music in general. I truly believe if you can get a bunch of people, thousands of people together and have a band play in front of them, and to experience that feeling of seeing live music, people can be healed and we can decrease crime or any sense of, hostility just from the experience of seeing music.’

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Jason’ s mother gave birth to him at a very young age of 15. Because of this he grew up in a challenging, lower socioeconomic environment with difficult family dynamics.

Jason also experienced sexual abuse by a family member, which led to long-lasting effects such as PTSD and flashbacks. These factors, along with his grandfather’s mental health struggles, contributed to the traumas that affected his childhood and later life.

He explains how this early trauma has influenced his adult life, shaping his emotional and mental well-being and his ongoing battle with his mental health, highlighting the effects of PTSD and its triggers.

Jason describes his struggles with suicidal ideation, discussing the importance of recognising and managing these thoughts effectively. He emphasises the importance of therapy in his journey towards understanding himself and fostering personal growth.

The importance of being emotionally open is very significant, particularly in how it affects Jason’s relationships and personal healing and overcoming societal and internalised stigmas surrounding mental health issues.

Jason shares his reflection on his ongoing journey of self-improvement, acknowledging both setbacks and progress in his quest for a healthier mental state.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.