Stories

We provide practical help when it’s needed most.

The world can be a tough place when you are unwell and dealing with mental illness, or you’re impacted by trauma of homelessness or family violence, and facing complex personal issues.
It can be even more challenging if you are trying to deal with the stress and complexity of courts and the legal systems.

Each year, hundreds of vulnerable or disadvantaged Western Australians look to us for expert advice and representation in the legal system, and for expert social services support and guidance.
Our clients are not defined by their challenges. They are people who have sought and found help with difficult situations, and their stories may be similar to yours.

Our Clients Matter

We support thousands of people every year – ensuring vulnerable people, and particularly people experiencing mental illness or impacted by the trauma of family violence, receive high-quality advice, advocacy and legal representation.

Paul’s Story

Paul had cognitive impairment and also suffered from bipolar disorder. He had recently had a Trustee appointed from the Public Trustee. This meant all Paul's assets, finances and expenses were managed by the Trustee. He found it very difficult to adjust to this new...

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Clare’s Story

Clare was in her early 50’s and had no prior contact with mental health services. She was completely shocked when police and mental health services staff visited her house to take her into hospital for assessment against her will.

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Henry’s Story

Henry was an overseas student living in Australia on a student visa and studying for his Masters degree at a local university. Henry had been treated in his home country for a mental illness and advised by his doctors that he was well enough to stop his medication....

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Learn More

Read more about Ruah Legal Services and the Mental Health Law Centre in our annual reports. From 2020-21, we report on our operations as ‘One Ruah’ reflecting our merger with Ruah Community Services in 2019 and the expansion of our integrated legal and non-legal support to families.

Downloads

RUAH 2022-23 Annual Report

RUAH 2021-22 Annual Report

RUAH 2020-21 Annual Report

MHLC 2019-20 Annual Report

MHLC 2018-19 Annual Report

MHLC 2017-18 Annual Report

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