Her determination, strength and willpower have been critical to her survival.

However, so too have the helping hands that presented themselves when she couldn’t pull herself back up.

Marion Barbari is Tash’s support worker at the Salvation Army and has been by Tash’s side for much of her transformation.

‘‘Tash came to Salvation Army about three years ago – she was using ice, smoking cannabis, drinking alcohol, involved in criminal activity, and had bipolar disorder,’’ Ms Barbari said.

‘‘She came to us wanting to die.’’

Although still recovering emotionally, Tash has been sober for over a year and a half, is employed, is in a stable relationship and has a place to call home.

‘‘It’s amazing, she holds two jobs – people with no mental health issues can’t do that,’’ Ms Barbari said.

Tash’s transformation is proof that with the right support networks anything is possible and relationships made with the right people can soon be more formative and profound than those kept over many years in toxic environments.

Tash said when she first went to the Salvation Army she was completely lost.

‘‘When I first started I had absolutely nothing,’’ she said.  ‘‘I had to cut off everyone that I used to know, I don’t speak to one person that I used to associate with ... it’s about being around good people, you’ve got to change your whole life.’’

Accordingly, the short-term repercussions of total isolation that many face during total lifestyle overhauls can hinder recovery, emphasising why organisations like the Salvation Army are so important.

‘‘We have people who don’t talk to anyone, we are their family and they have their mail delivered here because they just don’t have anyone who is kind to them,’’ Ms Barbari said.

‘‘I think we live in a society that encourages some people to be just swept under the carpet but at the end of the day we are all people.’’

For Tash going to the Salvation Army meant opening a door full of people who refused for her to be forsaken. ‘‘I can see with the people here, it’s not just a job for them, they really do care,’’ she said.

‘‘[Ms Barbari] is someone I can trust, someone who won’t judge me and someone who wants to see me do well.’’ 

Today Tash’s got her eyes set firmly on a bright future and is looking forward to undertaking training and attaining certificates.

‘‘I’d like to have my fridge and washing machine paid off, I’d like to think about a holiday which is something I never thought I could do before because of the amount of things holding me back,’’ Tash said.

‘‘I see people I used to speak to and they’re on the same old path, which is really sad.

‘‘They’re not living life. There’s a brighter side in life and it’s not always easy but life it’s what you make out of it really.’’

Each week the Salvation Army provides thousands of meals for the hungry, beds for the homeless, as well as gives assistance in finding employment, refuge to victims of abuse and offers services to those addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling.

■The Salvation Army, along with the Benevolent Society, St Vincent de Paul and City Mission, are assisted by funds raised through The Examiner Empty Stocking Appeal. Donations can be made at The Examiner’s offices in Launceston, Devonport and Hobart, with collection tins available at businesses in Launceston. Recent donations: The Monday Girls $175; TOTAL: $11,758.60.