27-year-old Disability Employment Services client, Elizabeth, lives with mental health conditions and a learning disability.
She had worked a little bit, on and off over the years, but found her mental health to be a barrier to finding and maintaining employment.
As a child, she experienced bullying when it came to reading, and as a result she now avoided roles that required reading instructions, or paperwork for example.
When Job Coach, Khala, from the Ballarat atWork Australia office first started working with Elizabeth she rarely answered her phone.
“I started off with limited contact, but I continued to try and offered my support at every opportunity,” said Khala.
“Over time, Elizabeth began to trust me and started coming in for regular face to face appointments. She has grown so much in her self-confidence and continues to do so.”
Once Elizabeth understood that Khala was on her side, and working with her at her pace to reach her personal employment goals, she began to believe she could maintain employment.
Khala worked with Elizabeth to find a role she could feel confident in, and she began work as a laundry attendant.
The atWork Australia team supported her with all her paperwork and continue to support her as needed through In Work Support.
Knowing she has the right support at any stage during her employment has empowered Elizabeth to go further.
“atWork Australia’s support has helped me as a person to grow, learn, and trust in others,” said Elizabeth.
“It has helped me to get into employment and know that I have the support to help me achieve my goals.”
She has reached a milestone of three months in her current role, showing her that she can do anything, she puts her mind to, now that she has the right support.
She has now moved out of home and is completing a course in photography on her own as her new goal is to one day work as a photographer.
“atWork Australia’s support has improved my self-belief. I can do the things I want, and nothing can hold me back now,” said Elizabeth.
Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of clients like Elizabeth expand their skills and qualifications to help them gain the right job with the right employer. Call us today on 1300 080 856 or enquire online to find out how we can help you meet your career goals.