TESTIMONIALS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
VERBAL TESTIMONIALS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Greg Hall
Australian Jockey and Melbourne Cup Winner
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(Greg has given us permission to share his participation with 21Renew)
I received a message from Graeme Alford whom I had known over 20 years ago. He wanted to know how I was. I messaged Graeme apologising for not being in touch but told him I was too ashamed and I went on to explain that I was homeless, broke and drinking from the time I woke up to the time I went to sleep.
Graeme said, “Greg to do you trust me?” and I responded, “yes with my life.” He said good, you are coming to Bali with me on one of our 21-day Wellness Programs. I told Graeme I really appreciated the offer however Rehabs don’t work for me. I had done over 6 months in 3 separate rehabs and had drunk immediately after I left each one.
Graeme’s response was simple. “Greg we do it very differently.” ……. truer words were never spoken. Everything about 21Renew is the complete opposite of what I experienced at the 3 rehabs I had been to. At 21Renew everything was positive, the staff and food were spectacular, the program really enjoyable and above all else by the time the 21 days finished I had a plan for going forward with my life and recovery.
I remain in contact with the team at 21Renew and they have been there every step of the way. For the first time in 20 years, I am excited about my future and I have a plan to achieve it.
NB. We have changed the names and images of our clients to protect their identity. We are very careful to respect the anonymity of our clients,
and only disclose them when they have given explicit permission to do so.
Ben, 28
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
Alcohol was a massive part of my daily life. There was never a day I didn’t consume alcohol.
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Off and on for 20 years I had attempted to get sober but every day I would find an excuse to have another drink, despite my intentions in the morning to not have a drink at all. I tried counselling, self-help groups, addiction seminars and courses – all to no avail! My desire to stop was always strong, however I could not stop myself picking up the bottle.
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I heard Graeme Alford on 3AW talking about 21Renew and my initial reaction was that the program was not for me. However, I called Graeme anyway and went to meet him at his office where I was informed and given hope about how I could change my life. Graeme assured me that 21Renew was something very different from what I had previously tried. He conducted an Assessment that my partner also attended and we discussed the best way forward. I had nothing to lose.
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I arrived in Bali nervous and still wanting a drink. Things, however, were about to change. I completed the 21 days in Bali, participating in all facets of the program. We trained daily which included going to the gym, boxing, swimming and yoga. The combination of these activities helped me greatly. The food and meals were delicious (5 stars). The staff were friendly and nothing was too much of a hassle.
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The material in the program was informative and really helped me to understand my relationship with alcohol. The groups were a key part of my decision to remain abstinent. I am now motivated to continue using the skills and strategies provided to me and feel confident I can do this and enjoy a brand new life.
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I highly recommend that if your previous attempts to get sober failed, do what I did. Make the easy call to 21Renew and leave the hangovers and guilt behind. Thanks to Graeme and his team for all their support, trust and on-going guidance in the aftercare program. I can honestly say I have never ever felt this good.
David, 38
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
It’s with great pleasure that I leave some positive words regarding 21 Renew.
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After an attempt at another Rehab facility 2 years ago I once again found myself drinking way too much on a daily basis.
I work in a high-pressure suit and tie industry that demands performance, I certainly was not delivering on this.
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I’m now leaving the 21 Renew program and I feel better than ever. Ready to get back into it with the comfort of the ongoing support I have with Graeme and Justin once I’m back in Melbourne.
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Graeme has assisted in ensuring my Business plan is on track and my family time is committed to also.
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If you or someone you know needs help with any type of substance issue and wants to get help within a 5-star facility and learning from someone who has certainly “been there done that” then don’t pass this up.
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It’s life-changing – I’m happy to even tell you my experience this over the phone if you're skeptical.
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Thanks Graeme and Justin, and the wonderful team at 21 Renew.
Sarah, 36
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
Overall the whole program was amazing, eye-opening and something I will never forget my whole life.
The location, setup of the villa and program schedule all worked for me. I feel that having the opportunity to go to the beach, try surfing, and overall just the fresh ocean breeze was good for my recovery process. It helped clear my head and gave me opportunities to process and ponder away from the villa.
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In regards to the program schedule, I enjoyed that yoga was at 7am, then breakfast at 8am, so you start your day at a similar time to life back home. The reflective journal was a good way to start the day. Initially, I thought it would be better at the end of the day, but I found voicing how I was feeling, getting reinforcement from the others and advice from Justin and Graeme, was more beneficial in the morning. I guess the timing of the journal allowed me to reflect and steer my day into a positive one as we were reflecting on the day before and it helped me have more good days than not so great.
Dinner was at a good time, sessions were spaced accordingly to the day and I didn’t feel overloaded with content. Massages were actually fantastic and having never had a massage before in my life, it was a struggle at first, but the benefits were seen immediately.
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It is difficult to find any issues with the program as for me personally, it was greatly beneficial and programmed well. I think what you're doing is amazing, and I couldn’t have imagined my journey into recovery being with any other program. 21Renew lives up to its name.
John, 28
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
A life changing experience!
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I will be forever indebted to Graeme, Justin and the team at 21 Renew. In just 21 days their revolutionary program transformed my relationship to drugs and alcohol and more importantly, my relationship with myself.
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For over a decade I have been looking for answers as to why I continued to use drugs and alcohol. I saw countless numbers of psychologists and hypnotherapists, read all the self-help books and tried many other strategies. Nothing was working and what was more concerning was that I was using more as the frustration and helplessness grew.
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I’d never taken time for myself to get away and think.
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What 21 Renew does is take you away from your familiar environment and place you in a tropical paradise where you reinvigorate your body, mind and soul. In just a few days I could see the clouds starting to lift. The body started to feel better and my thoughts started to become more positive.
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By the end of the three weeks I felt like I knew man. I was laughing again. I had goals and I had direction. Most importantly I had belief.
Mark, 46
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM IN 2019
Where do I even start?
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From the beginning, Graeme and Ray were extremely friendly compassionate and understanding. And that gave me the initial ability to put my faith in them and the program.
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Although my 5-week stint in a traditional rehab in Melbourne is something I would rather forget, my 3 weeks at 21Renew is something I’ll never forget, for all the right reasons.
From the beginning, they knew exactly what I needed to do and work on. And as I reflect now. I feel I’ve achieved something way beyond what I ever thought possible. With the teams' experience and knowledge, they listened and were able to guide me, and help direct me with what I wanted to do with my life. They have given me the tools to become the person I always wanted to be.
For such a long time I seemed to be going in circles, and sometimes backward! But now the sky is the limit, and I feel extremely confident to be the best version of me, the best partner, the best son, brother, and friend. But most importantly they have given me this amazing path to travel on for my recovery. And that is the most important thing ever.
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All the staff at the Villa went way above and beyond I thought possible. The driver is an absolutely gold human being and will be a massive asset to this program. His friendly, funny and caring nature has made this journey for me so memorable.
Justin’s humour and ability to bring out the best in everybody is just so infectious and something I’ll never forget. But Graeme's wisdom, advice, stories, and overall good vibes are what make the program an absolute winner.
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I will have no issue what-so-ever in telling everyone I know about how wonderful this program was. I'll be grateful for the rest of my life.
Carly, 39
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
Firstly, I would like to thank all of your team who have looked after me during the 21 days. Everyone’s outstanding professionalism stunned me.
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Ray took care of me, well and truly over and above expectations in Melbourne, Justin and Oka on my arrival in Bali did the same, and certainly not excluding the input Graeme provided over my journey, and the Yoga Instructor Amanda who pushed a button within, not dissimilar to what the rest of your team did for me throughout the program.
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It was very refreshing to see how everyone went well and truly (way out) of their way to accommodate all of the clients from the time they arrived until the time they said goodbye, in particular, myself with my 4 days early arrival in Bali and the drama’s which I unfolded on both Justin and Oka. Both Justin and Oka stood steadfast in providing me with so much sincere support.
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My appreciation for your program and for the work your team put in and the personal awareness and knowledge that I am taking away cannot be described in words.
Danielle, 36
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
To 21Renew I am very grateful
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To reconnect with my true self with dignity, wisdom, and a genuine interest in my full potential was not my expectation.
This is not a “Rehab” – I’ve done them, the time passes then I pick up, each time just progressing to the eventually triggered disaster.
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It takes courage to put ones hand up for help and the help was delivered in 21 days which will and with access to aftercare, release me of the need to pick up.
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Be careful of whose tail lights you follow….. I’m out of the shadows and standing in the light.
John, 27
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
Having completed a 12-day detox at a Melbourne based Rehab in preparation for the 21Renew Program, I cannot stress enough how this program took a completely different approach to my addiction.
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Graeme and Justin took the time to understand me individually as a person – separate to my addiction - helping me to realise who I am when you take away all the mind-altering substances. They helped me to see that I can go on to enjoy life and stressed the importance of my recovery being at the centre of everything/choice I make going forward.
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Coming from a professional background and addressing my disease at a particularly young age – the team took the time to tailor a plan of attack going forward – to help set me up for a future of success.
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If traditional/hospitalised environments haven’t worked for you before, or don’t float your boat – don’t hesitate to call the guys at 21Renew.
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If they cannot help you they will spare no effort to lead you in the right direction.
Dan, 26
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
The opportunity to be able to be involved with the 21 Renew Retreat has been amazing.
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For 3 years prior to my knee replacement operation to cope with the pain I was prescribed 200MG Tramadol and 5MG of Endone and I became addicted to these drugs.
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Following the operation, I could not get off the prescription drugs. I sought help from a number of different professionals but all to no avail. I rang Graeme and explained my circumstances. His concern for my well being was unparalleled. He gave me the details of a Doctor who for the first time understood my predicament.
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Being part of the 21Renew retreat has been a life-changing experience. The team delivered an amazing program, with the skills to support, guide and mentor me and the others, with various issues on a path of recovery. Their ability to provide the appropriate tools to use to overcome our respective addictions has been amazing. They are able to focus on everybody’s individual needs and then pull the group together.
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Oka, the driver and the house staff are amazing. Meals, cleaning, washing of clothes meant there was never a problem and everything was done with pure delight. With these staff we were able to focus on our recovery
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I am leaving the Retreat with 21 days of not taking any prescription medicine and feeling ready to take on the next stage of my life. I would highly recommend 21Renew to any person needing help as I did.
Melissa, 30
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
From the time I first met Graeme, there was a connection and I felt for the first time in years there just might be a way out of my gambling addiction.
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When I arrived at the villa to start the 21-day program I was nervous, had no confidence and was really apprehensive.
Within minutes of arriving Justin made me feel welcome, showed me to my room and sat down and had a talk with me.
Over the next 21 days their support, comfort, and understanding was exactly what I needed. Being able to talk to Justin and Graeme about anything that was in my head allowed me to move from an unhappy, negative person with no ambition and very little help to someone who is genuinely excited about the future.
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I found the learning sessions extremely valuable and interesting as they led to open and honest discussions with everyone feeling comfortable their views.
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In my wildest dreams I never thought I would like Yoga yet within 2 sessions I could not wait to get up in the morning and be ready for the session before breakfast.
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The massages, the swimming, the events like white water rafting and the social outings made each day exciting and gave me time to reflect on the daily group sessions. The villa and the staff were fantastic.
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During the 21 days, I had numerous one on one talks and these were invaluable in helping me to understand what I need to do going forward.
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These 21 days have changed my life.
Carly, 34
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
I began the 21-day program all but hopeless. After tasting some sobriety in the past through assistance of the 12 step solution I had fallen into a seemingly inescapable relapse loop.
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Placing distance between myself and my life was the first step. From the moment of arrival, and even beforehand, the 21 Renew team provided substantial support. The location of the Executive Retreat was perfect for our purpose. The design and content of the program was well thought out and carefully planned to ease us in then ramp up in intensity as our sobriety time and mental awareness improved. The overall environment, including the supplemental on-site staff, was terrifically encouraging.
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The peer support system that developed among the attendees is going to have an enduring powerful effect on our mutual continuous sobriety.
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This was undoubtedly a life-changing experience.
Mark,39
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
I finished treatment at another rehab in Bali which gave me much needed clarity but I was still unsure of what direction I wanted to go with my life and how I was going to get there.
I could not be happier that I made the decision to go to 21Renew. At 21Renew I learned life skills that I had not learned anywhere else and developed a clear picture of exactly where I wanted to go over the next 12 months and was given the tools on how to get there.
I am excited to see how everything unfolds from here and I am confident that everything is going to turn out unbelievably.
Jonathan, 30
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
Everything about 21Renew is different from my previous rehabs.
Coming off heroin is was not easy but at 21Renew they made it as comfortable as it could be.
I was never forced to do anything. The Yoga, massages, walking, swimming and outings gave me a sense of freedom and kept me positive and looking forward. The support was fantastic and I was able to talk to Justin and Graeme whenever I was feeling down.
They also adjusted the program to fit in with how I was feeling. The weather, villa and food were unbelievable. It was a great experience and I have been given a new lease of life. Thankyou Graeme, thankyou Justin, thankyou 21Renew.”
Phil, 42, Melbourne
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
Living to work, not working to live. My substance dependency problem. I was close to snapping.
Walking a tight rope, the double life, the pressure of it all almost tipping me over the edge.
My long-time affinity with a mentally and physically harming substance had impaired my rational thinking. It was distorted to such a degree that I thought I couldn’t maintain a level of performance without it. Internally I was destroying myself and I knew it. Things were starting to slide and the depression was overwhelming.
Due to my previous experience with rehab, I felt my situation was hopeless due to the time I thought I would have to take off from work to start feeling normal again. I had done treatment before. Sixty days.
Looking for answers on the internet, I found 21Renew. I did my research on the program director, was impressed with what I read, and instantaneously made an appointment.
If you are looking for residential treatment where your mobile devices are confiscated, with militant rules and where boredom visits frequently, then 21 Renew is not for you. Instead, what you can expect at 21R is the opposite of what is noted above with an added bonus of 21 days in postcard surroundings.
Sue, 43, Melbourne
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
My eyes darted across the room as I sat in Graeme Alford's office. Looking sickly unwell, I recall feeling broken, lonely, scared and filled with shame.
I desperately wanted to tell Graeme that I wasn’t always like this! I used to be smart, sassy, pretty and have life behind my eyes. But I didn’t have the energy to remember the woman I used to be because it hurt too much. So instead I said “Forgive me for my questions, but I’m massively paranoid.” I then proceeded to reel off my ridiculous questions in the attempt to rattle or shock Graeme.
However, he stared back at me unperturbed and I quickly realised this guy means business. I didn’t understand how this man I hardly knew had encouraged my family not to give up on me and that I am worthy of a sober life. It had to be too good to be true…. Addiction swept me up into a world where I didn’t belong and I became a stranger to all those that knew me.
The 21 days allowed me to be reunited with my family but most importantly is has reunited me with myself. I now write this as a new woman, a lady in fact. I’m ready to start writing my next chapter and it can be whatever I want it to be. The whole experience was amazing.
Jason, 36, Melbourne
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
When I decided to go to 21Renew it was only to please my family.
Having been to three Rehabs over the past 12 months I was not looking forward to another daily barrage about my behaviour .
From the time I walked into the Villa, I knew this was going to be different. My bedroom and ensuite were luxurious. The staff were fantastic and the 21Renew Team immediately put me at ease and made me welcome.
The entire 21 days were positive and invigorating. I learned more about myself than I thought possible as a result of the interactive sessions, and the one-on-one time I spent with Graeme.
I left the 21Renew with a customised plan for me to put into action in all aspects of my life.
Thank you 21Renew for a life-changing experience!
Steve, 36, Melbourne
COMPLETED THE 21 DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
My time at 21 Renew has been a great life experience which has helped me understand who I am and stretched my thinking capacity in ways I never had thought was possible.
From the moment I was greeted by Justin at the airport, to the day I left I was constantly in a positive space, and the villa quickly became my haven for recovery thanks to the friendly helpful and professional staff. 21 Renew has set me up and set me out on my new journey feeling more positive and with a lot more clarity and with the tools to achieve my life goals and desires.
I had never done anything like this before and strongly encourage people fighting addiction problems to engage in a program like this. I believe you have to completely remove yourself away from your current environment and headspace to be open to understanding addiction and WHY we are behaving the way we do. I personally have dug deep and discussed my issues, discovered some tools to work with and now have a plan moving forward.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at 21 Renew, working within an intimate group away from my normal surroundings and pressures. I now have clarity in who I am and have dealt with some serious underlining issues of the past and now look to my new life where I can unwrap my true talent.
I have always seen a bright future but was unsure how to put it all together, and so I started to doubt myself. I wasted a lot of opportunities and was very hard on myself. I was spinning out of control in a negative spiral.
21 renew has really opened me up. I am now able to start understanding who I am, what I really stand for and the purpose of why I exist.
– “First Class” property / facility
– Quality content, exercises and case studies.
– Openness, honesty, and the ability for everyone to be non-judgmental in the group.
– Appropriate breaking to help digest information and discussions.
– Friendly, helpful and professional staff.
– Quality food and exercise programs such as yoga, boxing, and massage.
Graeme Alford has been the only person I have connected with since my addiction, which has been in full flight for the last 5 years. He has simply walked the walk. His calm, measured, positive energy and assuring approach and manner is the best in the business. His ability to present, deliver and personalise everyone's recovery path and help them to understand is incredible.
He is a genius at work and someone I really admire. I am one of the lucky ones who found Graeme early in my addiction and I am very thankful. We all know how hard it is to find someone we can trust and connect with. His story alone is fascinating and would give “anyone” hope. He is one of a kind. A true gentleman.
Graeme’s words on the second last night summed it up for me.- “It is up to you now you are in control but not alone. I’m always here for you. I certainly don’t abandon anyone and I sure DON’T ever give up". Words like this speaks volumes of his care for his clients., and gave me confidence that I can do this and I’m well on my way to recovery.
I would like to thank all the staff who were very professional polite and always smiling day to day making my experience a positive and memorable one. Thanks Graeme and Team”
CONTACT US
Call us for a confidential chat
and to arrange a free addiction assessment:
+61 1800 300 813
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