The best thing I’ve ever done! -Matt, 25, Craigieburn

From the age of 11 Matt was dealt the role of full-time carer for his mother, until she sadly passed away in 2014. In the 2 years that followed Matt suffered from heightened anxiety, and unable to find work as a result. Referred to Headspace Craigieburn for anxiety management, Matt was placed on the IPS Pathway.

IPS (Individual Placement Support) is a program run by Campbell Page in collaboration with Headspace, providing young people with mental illness the tools and support they need to enter the workplace. What makes IPS so unique is that it is tailored specifically to 16-25 year olds, and offers in-depth post placement support. For Matt, it has been a make or break opportunity which has ultimately changed his life.

In October 2015 Matt was introduced to Terri (pictured with Matt above), the Campbell Page IPS Employment Specialist who placed him on the pathway to change. He now is employed at a local retail outlet, and Matt remarks that ‘the only thing that I’ve wanted over the last two years or so is to find employment’ -and now he is finally able to ‘get on his feet’ and regain his independence.

The process was not without it’s trials however, as the journey was difficult for Matt who would endure bouts of anxiety along the way.

Terri provided coaching and stress management support for Matt prior to interviews, setting him up with the tools he will inevitably need in other high-pressure moments of his life. Matt believes that ‘the options that have opened up’ for him as a result of his consultations with Terri, have been innumerable. Together the pair were able to overcome Matt’s barriers to employment, with Terri noticing a dramatic change in his confidence as his personal development moves from ‘strength to strength’.

The Campbell Page IPS team believe that employment is one of the surefire ways to help individuals manage their mental health, and for some can even enhance their chances of recovery. Finding a purpose in life can be one of the ways that individuals like Matt, can get on track and reach their potential!

To read more about Matt’s story and transformation into employment you can access the article published in the Hume Leader by clicking the link here.

If you or someone you know are struggling with their mental health we recommend you contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 – for more information on mental illness and young people or to find out if there is a Headspace in your community click the link here.

Roughly 3 years ago I was out of work and sent to Campbell page from Centrelink, and believe me, I wasn’t happy about it -Emily, 23 NSW

I had always gotten my own jobs before and was horrified to be out of work.

At 20 years of age I was out of work and in need of guidance, so I reluctantly turned up to the Campbell Page Vincentia Hub for my appointment with Employment Consultant Tanelle. Expecting to be met with disapproval and a general attitude of disdain at my jobless situation, I was suprised by how friendly all of the staff were on arrival.

I then met with Tanelle, and again I cannot explain the sense of relief I found during this initial consultation. She immediately made me feel relaxed and at ease when she laid her cards on the table at the start of the appointment – pointing out that she was honestly just here to help me out of my situation.

I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life, so Tanelle helped me tease out my strengths and to understand that it was a customer facing role I would most likely excel at. She was right.

Tanelle then progressed to help me update my resume to suit a customer service opportunity, and started reaching out to her own list of employers and contacts to see if anything was available for me. It was then that she came up with the idea of working at the local bank, and I was so excited about this prospect.

I had never even thought about finance and banking as a career pathway for me, and I loved the idea.

I jumped at the chance, I had never even thought about finance and banking as a career pathway for me, and I loved the idea. Tanelle submitted my resume (which was now tailored specially for this line of work) and helped set up an interview for me. She even went so far as to purchase me a new pair of shoes, making sure I gave off a polished and ‘sh-mick‘ first impression. We ran through practice interview questions before the big day, and Tanelle provided coaching and valuable tips to prepare for the inevitable nerves (tips that I still use today!).

I couldn’t believe the employer had seen something in me

One week later and I landed the job.

I couldn’t believe the employer had seen something in me, that they were willing to have me as a part of their team! The position ran it’s course eventually as the bank closed its doors, but the skills and experience I obtained during that period set me up for life. I am now a full-time Customer Service Officer at St George’s Bank, going on to a year now. I am filled with hope and ambition for the future and now have my own plans to up-skill and eventually enter the Mortgage Division at St George’s.

There is no denying that Campbell Page steered my career pathway, and ultimately changed my life. I love my job, and have grown from confidence to confidence. I just wanted to say thank you to Campbell Page, as I now have a job that I love and I know that most people don’t get so lucky at only 23 years old. My employment consultant saw the potential in me, and thanks to her direction I am positive about what’s in-store next!

Emily contacted Campbell Page in January this year, and we were thrilled to receive her story. If you or someone you know have a story to share we would love to here from you, email communications@campbellpage.org.au or contact us here.

 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN EVERY HEARTBEAT is a monthly opportunity for us to share with you, the stories that matter most. A new year brings for many a chance to start over, make changes and follow their dreams. This January we’d like to inspire you to do just that, by sharing Shane story. In his 20’s and uncertain about the future, Shane managed to turn things around for the better. i

 

“Life is now sweet as” -Shane, Blackbutt NSW

 

Shane was 28 years old, jobless and battling with low self esteem when he was first introduced to Campbell Page. Local Wollongong Councillor Vicky Curran had met Shane at an Indigenous get together prior, and recognised that while Shane appeared withdrawn he just needed the right support to motivate him in life. Impressed by his unique determination despite his challenges, Vicky arranged for Shane to get in touch with Val (Campbell Page Candidate Coach). It was then that his life began to turn around.

Shane is of Indigenous Australian heritage, and due to a number of set backs in life already was left with little hope. Even though Shane was eager to get a ‘real job’, Val first made sure he was connected to the right support group who would be able to help him start to build his sense of self worth. Through the network Val had set up for him, Shane gradually began to gain confidence and to find a positive outlook on life despite his past. This process in-itself was a huge step for Shane, and in the words of Vicky a ‘big big achievement’.

Like any transition story, Shane’s journey was not without its challenges along the way. Initially Shane started contributing to the Campbell Page ‘Work for the dole’ program, where he assisted in the set-up of a 2016 Business Calendar for the Dapto region. Feeling restless and ready to work full time, Shane then underwent a brief stint as a tyre fitter for a commercial vehicle company. Although Shane worked hard in this position, his slight build was just not suited for the heavy lifting involved. Even Shane’s employer confirmed that despite his best efforts, Shane was not the right fit for the role.

Unwilling to place Shane in the ‘too hard basket’, Val continued searching for a position that would complement his strengths. As time went on Shane was just about ready to give up, when a vacancy became available as a production hand at ‘Cooks Confectionery’ in Dapto. When presented with the opportunity to apply for the position, Shane enthusiastically responded ‘you beaut, put me forward!’. In his own words, he was ‘ready’.

In preparation for the big ‘day’ of the interview, Val was uncertain if Shane’s quiet disposition would hinder his chances. The opposite was the case however, and it was Shane’s positive and polite nature which convinced the hiring manager, Reuben, of his potential. The lead up to Christmas is a peak period at ‘Cooks Confectionery’, and Shane managed to put in the overtime and hard work necessary. Shane is now almost six months into the role, and his overall demeanor and outlook on life has completely transformed.

Shane believes that life is ‘sweet as’, now that he can support his mother and even start to improve his lifestyle. He is looking forward to progressing in the company, and taking on more responsibility. Reuben has confirmed that even though Shane has had very little training, it is his ‘enthusiasm and willingness to learn’ which makes Reuben wish he had more staff ‘just like him’.

Val from Campbell Page would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Shane on his achievements, stating that; ‘the team are proud of you, your family are proud of you, Vicky from the Council is proud of you… but above all Shane, you should be proud of how far you’ve come’.

If you or someone you care about needs help finding work, contact Campbell Page today and see if Val and the team can support you!

 

December Issue

 Nick’s story is an example of how we really can make an impact on young people’s lives’ -Janine Hutton, Youth & Family Manager

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN EVERY HEARTBEAT this December provides a heartfelt focus on youth and community, in particular Campbell Page FLO (Flexible Learning Options) in South Australia. Campbell Page FLO have had a huge impact this year, thanks to an innovative collaboration with Labs ’n Life. This unique program is SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) Year 12 accredited, providing pathways to further education, training and employment for young people. The Labs ‘n Life team bring the puppies along to our FLO SMYLE (Supporting & Mentoring Youth in Learning and Earning) Center in SA, where they work with young people to build their confidence as well as their team work skills.

Not only has Campbell Page FLO helped many young people to find their confidence and build their skills, the program has resulted in two of our students becoming program mentors. Working with the Labs’n Life trainers, the mentors help transport the dogs to other groups as well providing assistance throughout the course. Another Campbell Page FLO student has started the advanced training course, to become a qualified trainer. Campbell Page FLO is both impacting the youth community, and paving the way for opportunity.

Read on to hear about Nick’s journey . . .

Introducing Nick!

Prior to enrolling in Campbell Page ‘FLO’ in 2013, 18 year old Nick had suffered from severe depression and social anxiety. Some days he felt so consumed by his anxiety, Nick was unable to even leave the house. Therefore he found it really hard to get to the Campbell Page SMYLE Office, so his case worker Jenni began to contact Nick via telephone and visit him at home in order to engage with him in a ‘safe’ space. Jenni and Nick started to work together to understand Nick’s background, and what the triggers may have been for his debilitating anxiety. Jenni also worked in consultation with Headspace, in order to provide Nick with a support service that could help him move past his anxiety disorder.

The process helped Nick to be able to understand where he has come from, as well as how he could begin to move forward with his life. Jenni and Nick mapped out his goals and aspirations, along with some long term strategies for how he can achieve them. Nick also had the support of his family who attended sessions with Jenni, to help understand how they could encourage Nick to get where he needed to be. Things began to dramatically change for Nick however, when he started the Labs ‘n Life program in 2014.

Nick was initially hesitant to get involved with Labs ‘n Life, but after the encouragement of both Jenni and his family he attended his first session in Term 4. A few sessions in to the program it quickly became apparent that Nick was beginning to grow in confidence, and in his ability to leave the house independently. The course provider commented that Nick was an ‘outstanding’ student, who had a ‘natural’ ability with the guide dogs. He also started to make friendships within the group, and to establish a positive bond with the trainers. Nick was the first to arrive at each and every session, and even volunteered at the Labs ‘n Life dog show that year.

Nick has now nearly finished the Campbell Page FLO program, and is looking at his future career opportunities with Jenni. With the support of his family and the guidance of Campbell Page, Nick has been able to turn his life around! He has a positive outlook on life now, and has even taken up regular exercise as a part of his weekly routine. Jenni has ensured that Nick is still connected to long term support services, but is confident that he has been given a new lease on life altogether!

If you or someone you know needs support with anxiety or depression, make sure you contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

For support with getting on track with skills, education or a job get in touch with a Campbell Page support worker

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN EVERY HEARTBEAT is a monthly opportunity for us to share with you, the stories that matter most. This month we meet Jaydan, who was homeless and jobless at only 17 years old. Jaydan has become a massive inspiration not only in the Employment Hub he initially registered in, but across Campbell Page Australia wide. We’ve also captured a unique story from our Western Adelaide Employment Hub, whereby Cong has become our veteran interpreter and is helping other people who have been in his exact situation – to find and keep a job. The Western Adelaide team are thrilled to have Cong on board, and look forward to working together to help other individuals in the Vietnamese community.

Have you met Jaydan?

“I’m on way to being a chef, like my Gran! ”

When Campbell Page Candidate Coach, Annette, first met Jaydan she was instantly struck by his situation and his ability to keep smiling. Jaydan was only 17 years old, yet confessed to Annette that he had been homeless for ‘quite some time’. Jaydan’s mother sadly passed when he was 7 years old, and he then lived with his Dad who now had 5 other children with his current partner. Jaydan lasted there until he was 13 years old when he was kicked out of home.

Since then, Jaydan has been doing it pretty tough and getting by whatever way he can. He had been couch surfing from time time, as well as staying at his Grandmothers place when able to. Annette first approached the situation by sorting out Jaydan’s primary residence, as his Centrelink status would soon be listed as ‘no fixed address’ -taking him off the system altogether. Shortly after, Jaydan was able to secure accommodation at a friends place where he would pay regular board.

The events that followed would then change the course of Jaydan’s path for good. A restaurant owner approached the Campbell Page Employment Hub, Kiama, looking to take on a new Apprentice Chef. Annette instantly felt like this was going to the only way to get a clear sense of direction in Jaydan’s life, so she helped him lodge his permanent address at Centrelink, and also worked with Jaydan to create a resume for the application.

Although extremely excited about this great opportunity, Jaydan was also very nervous about the interview process! Annette came along to Jaydan’s second interview, where he told the owner how serious he was about landing this opportunity and how he would not let him down. He also shed light on how his Grandmother was a chef at an aged care facility down the road, and Jaydan had always enjoyed helping her out in the kitchen growing up.

Well when the news came that Jaydan had in fact been successful in his interview, he was so overwhelmed that he burst into tears. Annette helped organise Jaydan’s uniform and equipment for his first day, and he is also starting TAFE in January, 2016. Jaydan is now on his way to opening up his own restaurant one day in the future. He has stability and direction in his life, and we can honestly say that his story and courage has had a huge impact on everyone at Campbell Page.

Introducing Cong

“I am so happy that I have not lost my ability to learn”

Cong migrated to Australia from Vietnam in 1983, as a refugee. During his initial years in Australia he completed a Bachelor of Engineering and then worked as a full time Engineer until he was made redundant in 2013. Cong was referred to Campbell Page Port Adelaide in October 2014, with several medical conditions affecting his ability to work.  Sharee became his Employment Consultant, and together they started working on a plan to get Cong back into employment.

All of the available engineering positions at the time were interstate, and as Cong has a family and a child with special needs he was not in a position to relocate.  Stephanie who works at the Campbell Page Port Adelaide hub, met with Cong later that year. Stephanie further discussed what other skills he could use to get back to work and found out soon enough that Cong speaks fluent English and Vietnamese, -including all 3 dialects from the different regions of Vietnam. This placed Cong in a great position to become an interpreter, and he was enrolled into a course that would enable him do that in an official capacity.

In the mean time, Campbell Page in Western Adelaide were looking for new ways to provide a better service for their Vietnamese participants. The team raised the idea of working with Cong, and he was more than willing to accept the part time role at the Western Adelaide Employment Hub.  Cong was so excited about being given an opportunity with Campbell Page, that he took his wife out for lunch that day to celebrate a new chapter in life. Cong now works alongside the same consultants, who helped him get back into work.

Cong has declared to the Occupational Assessor (OA) that he ‘feels very happy’ and ‘excited’ about his offer of employment with the company, and  he has also proven himself to be a dedicated worker. He believes he has more purpose and structure to his week, and that the part time hours also allow him to care for his family.

Cong is already looking at exciting ways that he can build on his role at Campbell Page, including regularly engaging with the local Vietnamese restaurants and cafes to set up possible employment opportunities. He continually expresses his gratitude to the staff at Campbell Page, and his humble approach has made him a bit of a favorite within the team. When summing up his new skills and experiences, Cong says the main words that spring to mind are ‘Excitement, Opportunity, Support and New Friends’ – we think that pretty much says it all!

If you, or someone you know is homeless and/or in need of work, speak to the team at Campbell Page to get support – contact us here

 

This month’s MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN EVERY HEARTBEAT update focuses on the training services we provide to get individuals ready for employment. At Campbell Page we believe in making a difference across a wide range of communities, so our training services span across aged care, retail, business, childhood education and more. We are also in partnership with TAFE Western Institute and are together delivering unique training programs/ conduct assessments at AMC Prison, Canberra.

 Meet Joe (name changed for privacy) and Ursula who have both been able to change their outlook on life through acquiring new skills in our programs!

A bit about ‘Joe’ and his new pathway 
 “I feel confident to be able to live out my dreams now”

Joe is middle-aged and currently a detainee at the AMC Prison, Canberra. Growing up Joe’s education stopped after Primary School, and later in life he completed a variety of jobs in the construction and transport industry -resulting in a chronic back condition. Despite Joe’s set-backs, the team at AMC noted his proficient English skills and overall high results in his induction testing.

He has since completed a Certificate II in Skills for Work & Vocational Pathways (FSK), and as a result developed an enthusiastic approach to learning and socialising. Joe is not of Aboriginal heritage, yet has expressed interest in learning more about traditional aboriginal languages and hopes to pursue this further on his release later this year. He also would love to support other Men his age, by volunteering at the local Men’s Shed as soon as he able to.

Here’s Joe’s feedback in his own words, about his renewed outlook on life and how he plans to tackle things later this year:

How are you going to use your new skills?

To help me understand software programs better. I now have a pathway to learning and am feeling confident to enroll in other Certificates and Programs. -I want to run my own business, so getting more skills will put me in good stead to do that confidently.

Are you going to look for work?

Yes. My first business idea is a fish farm so I can make some good money, and then lead into an internet/sales based brokerage company with possibilities of expansion later.

What work would you be doing?

I used to be on the pension, and before that did a bit of every thing on the side. I feel more confident now to live out my dreams of being self employed after completing the FSK Certificate II.

Is there any thing else that you would like to add?

I am very grateful for the opportunity and assistance, and it has been such a high quality of help. I would recommend Campbell Page to other people to move away from big organisations to receive more of a personal experience.

 

Meet Ursula, 51 and loving her new career

“I got the job!”

When we first met Ursula she was was a mature aged job seeker looking to enter the Aged Care Industry. At the time Ursula was living on government payments, and was unable to afford the training required to move into Aged Care work. Working with her Candidate Coach at Campbell Page, Ursula was able to bridge the gap between her skill shortage and the career pathway she wanted to pursue.

Ursula had not been in a study environment for a number of years, and was able to overcome this initial challenge with the support of her Campbell Page Training Coordinator. Together they tailored Ursula’s program to assist her in her to return to study, and also worked through the tricky theory components of the course.

Ursula was able to gain her 4 week work placement at one of the largest employers in the Aged Care sector, and she excelled during the period of hands of experience. As a result, Ursula was asked to submit an application for employment. Ursula’s Training Coordinator was able to prepare her for the interview and orientation process, as well as applying for other roles. When she did receive an offer of employment, Ursula was so excited she personally visited her Training Coordinator to announce ‘I got the job!’.

Successfully completing this course gave Ursula a shot at pursing her passion for Aged Care, and also provided her with financial stability . She now loves what she does, and finds Aged Care a rewarding pathway as it enables her to give back to the community. Establishing her own financial independence has also improved her personal life, providing Ursula with a renewed sense of confidence and freedom.

To find out more about Campbell Page, our Training Services and how we can help you or a friend in need get in touch with us today