Father of five with a family history of service

Originally from Victoria, Josh enlisted in infantry in the Australian Army in 2001. Encouraged by his grandfather, who had served in the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force), Josh joined the Defence Force when he was just 17 years old.

The Pratt family has a very proud history of service dating all the way back to Josh’s great grandfather, who served in Gallipoli. During his time in service, Josh was deployed to Timor-Leste on a United Nations peacekeeping mission. He was medically discharged in 2006 and now lives in Townsville with his wife, Amanda, and their five daughters.

"At the time when I discharged, I didn’t realise how bad my injuries were. And as the years went on, it just kept getting worse and worse."

“I’d be popping pills, pills and pills just to get to work. Then the pain was taking a toll on all the kids and the wife because I would get home from work, and I could barely walk.”

Physical and financial pressures grew

By his mid-twenties, Josh’s back pain grew progressively worse. He would come home from work and collapse at the front door, unable to move. Everyday life became unmanageable and he had to be heavily medicated just to get through the day.

“In terms of normal activities, I couldn’t mow the yard or if I did, I’d then be bedridden for two days.”

After a multitude of costly appointments with several specialists, Josh was finally diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. He had previously dislocated both shoulders, sustained multiple ankle injuries and developed arthritis in his ankles, knees and back.

The chronic pain was starting to affect him mentally, and he could no longer work, putting the family under financial pressure. Josh and Amanda decided to move to Townsville in the hopes that the warmer climate would relieve some of the pain.

"When we got to Townsville, we had nothing. We were in a hole, both emotionally, financially, mentally. Just everything was down in the gutter."

Finding support and the road to recovery

A friend of the family had recommended that they contact the Mates4Mates Family Recovery Centre in Townsville, which supports both current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force, as well as their families.

Originally seeking help for physical rehabilitation, RSL Queensland Advocate Brett Armstrong, could see the family was also struggling in other areas. He was able to offer financial support to help the family on the road to recovery.

"Support like that from the RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates is amazing. I think especially Mates4Mates have had a big impact on us. When you go through financial stress, injuries, mental health whatever it is, there is someone there for everything."

“I’m still on plenty of medication, however Mates4Mates with Lauren, the exercise physiologist, has been great. She’s given me stretches that I do every day to try and relieve some of the pain. But it won’t go, it’s going to be there forever.”

Through Mates4Mates, Josh started to receive both physical and mental support for his chronic back pain. The Centre also provides services to keep the whole family active, including yoga, after school activities, kids’ boot camps, and even art classes.

“Even though I can’t do a lot of physical activities, it’s more the movement and keeping active that helps with recovery. Keeping a healthy mind helps with the pain as well.”

Through his time with Mates4Mates, Josh has also become aware of other people facing similar challenges and has become a strong supporter of the services. Together with his wife Amanda, Josh is regularly donating his time by volunteering at the Centre café.

“The amount of help down there is phenomenal. All you need to do is ask and you’d be surprised with what they can do.”

"Thank you to all the supporters of Dream Home Art Union. All the funding that goes towards RSL QLD and all the support services helps both veterans and families. If you need help and you’re an ex-serviceman or woman, you can get assistance if you need it."