Health, hope, and routine: Benny’s story
When Benny was first referred to Sonder’s Closing the Gap – Integrated Team Care (CTG ITC) program, he was juggling more than most people could manage. His diabetes was difficult to control, he was smoking and drinking on weekends, and he didn’t have a stable place to live. Without safe housing or routine, getting on top of his health felt almost impossible.
But Benny showed up with honesty, determination, and a real desire to get better — and that became the starting point for everything that followed.
Sorting the essentials
For Benny’s CTG team, Caroline (Care Coordinator) and Ramon (Outreach Worker), the first priority was making sure he had the basics in place.
“I remember meeting Benny at another clients home,” Caroline says. “I chatted to him about his health and suggested that he may be eligible for supports through our program. He did a self-referral, and following my initial assessment, we worked through Bennys challenges one by one and linked him into a variety of other services.”
They supported Benny to apply for his Confirmation of Aboriginality and secure SA Ambulance cover, giving him peace of mind for emergencies.
Benny also received the diabetes equipment he needed to properly manage his condition at home. Through CTG ITC funding, Benny received a glucometer along with guidance on how to use it safely and confidently. This small but important piece of equipment became a turning point: Benny could finally start monitoring his blood sugar levels and understand how his lifestyle choices were affecting his health.
Accessing specialist care and diabetes education
The CTG ITC team worked closely with Benny to make sure he received the right clinical care and advice.
He attended an optometry appointment to check for diabetic retinopathy – and was relieved to learn his vision was all clear. Soon after, in response to an elevated HbA1c (average blood sugar level) of 10.1% in May 2025, he was referred to Sonder’s Diabetes Educator, Rema, for Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) trial.
With fortnightly education sessions, Benny developed practical life-changing skills – from understanding which foods raise blood sugar levels to taking medication correctly and consistently. He remains part of the CGM trial and becomes more confident with each appointment.
As part of his broader care plan, Benny was also supported to see a podiatrist for diabetic foot checks. Thanks to improved self-care and following clinical recommendations, he now only requires reviews every six months. He also attended a routine dental appointment to maintain his oral health.
Nutrition support and growing independence
In the earlier stages, Benny tried to work with a private dietitian, but without stable housing it was difficult to follow meal plans or build healthy habits. Recognising this barrier, the CTG team advocated for him to be recommended for Category 1 housing.
In June 2025, Benny moved into a temporary unit – a milestone that changed everything. With a kitchen and his own space, he could finally begin building the routines that support good health. Wardli-ana also supported him with a Wyatt grant, helping him purchase furniture, making the unit feel like a real home.
Once settled, Benny began one-on-one nutrition support with Sonder’s dietitian, Cecilia. He also attended a Sonder cooking class and a Sprout cooking session, both of which helped him gain confidence in planning and preparing meals.
“I thoroughly enjoyed these sessions,” Benny says. “I finally feel confident that I can cook meals that are healthy, filling, and within my budget.”
With his new skills, Benny is now exploring Lite n’ Easy options to support weight loss and is feeling optimistic about building a long-term healthy routine.
Alongside improvements in his diet and diabetes care, Benny was determined to reduce his reliance on smoking and alcohol. After a hypnotherapy counselling session in August, he stopped smoking entirely and significantly cut back on drinking.
“It’s amazing how much better I feel after quitting smoking and cutting back on drinking, both physically and mentally,” he says.
Ongoing support and next steps
“Benny has come a long way in terms of his confidence,” Caroline says. “His diabetes management and overall glucose levels have improved by eating a healthier diet, walking when able, and a more consistent approach to taking his medication.”
Although Benny has already made enormous progress, his journey with the CTG ITC program is still ongoing. He is currently being supported to access counselling through Nunkuwarrin Yunti, and referrals are underway for exercise physiology to help him build strength, improve mobility, and increase his physical activity in a safe, supported way.
Through every step, Benny has shown resilience, courage, and a growing belief in himself. The combination of stable housing, strong cultural support, practical health care, and wrap-around services has given him space to build a new lifestyle that prioritises his wellbeing – and his future is looking brighter every day.
About the Closing the Gap – Integrated Team Care program
Sonder’s Closing the Gap – Integrated Team Care (CTG ITC) program offers free, culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic health conditions such as:
- Kidney disease.
- Heart disease.
- Lung disease.
The program brings together a team of Care Coordinators, Outreach Workers, and Aboriginal Health Project Officers who:
- Help clients understand their condition and build self-management skills.
- Support access to doctors, specialists, and allied health services.
- Provide transport assistance and encouragement to attend appointments.
- Connect clients with ongoing community supports to improve overall wellbeing.
Sonder’s CTG ITC program is available for people living in metropolitan Adelaide, Gawler-Barossa, Yorke Peninsula & Mid-North South Australia.
To get started, make an appointment with your regular GP or Aboriginal Health Worker. Ask them to complete an Aboriginal Health Check and/or a GP Management Plan and make a referral to Sonder.
If you do not have a regular GP, contact us at (08) 8209 0700 or email info@sonder.net.au and we’ll help you to access the service.
This service is supported by funding from Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network Program.
To protect the client’s privacy, a stock image has been used.