Leigh lives with anxiety and was experiencing panic attacks in the workplace. He had been out of work for a year when he connected with Job Coach, Brad, from the atWork Australia Shepparton office.
Leigh had a background in hospitality. Brad, through Disability Employment Services, helped him find work quickly. However, Leigh experienced a panic attack on his first day.
Together Brad and Leigh discussed a career change and some extra support with his mental health.
“Leigh was finding himself feeling overwhelmed, frazzled and unable to focus. I referred Leigh to our Positivum program to support him learn coping skills, build his confidence and positive perceptions of working,” said Job Coach Brad.
Developed in partnership with Monash University, Positivum offers tailored individual support to address beliefs and perceptions of health and working.
After completing Positivum, Brad connected Leigh to a Community Health and Wellbeing Worker to further support his personal health and wellbeing.
When Leigh was feeling ready, Brad and Leigh discussed the type of work environments which would suit Leigh’s barriers and Brad thought about employers he knew would be understanding and supportive.
Brad then connected Leigh to a cleaning job with a small team and supportive employer.
“Leigh said he was relieved and happy when he got the job as cleaner. When he met the employer and saw she was supportive, open and understanding, he was reassured. They make sure their staff are happy and are available to talk to or call at all times. The team are friendly and helpful to Leigh and working in a small team really helps with his anxiety,” said Brad.
Leigh said that Brad has helped with support for his mental health, advocated him to a supportive employer, and helped support Leigh get his confidence back, to get back on his feet.
“atWork Australia cares about the wellbeing of their clients and they go above and beyond to help people,” said Leigh.
Brad said, “It’s not only important, for myself as a Job Coach, to help people get into work but other foundations need to be put in place to ensure clients like Leigh are able to maintain work that is both ongoing, and sustainable, and with the right employers.”
Every year, atWork Australia helps thousands of clients like Leigh 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.