On October 18th, Disability Employment Service (DES) Participants Bianca and Reanna attended a mindful gardening session at Clarkson Library, accompanied by their Employment Consultant, Sue. Both Participants have a history of suffering with mental health challenges, attending the session to learn about mindfulness and its role in positive mental health.

The session was an hour long and aimed to teach attendees that getting outdoors and gardening can provide numerous psychological and calming benefits. The session started with a 20-minute meditation session, asking the Participants to imagine themselves in a secret garden, feel the grass beneath their feet, the smells around them and the breeze on their face. This activity brought the group to a relaxed state, ready to start planting.

After the meditation, Bianca and Reanna engaged in a planting activity, learning about the various benefits of gardening, including:
• Anxiety and stress reduction
• Decreased depression
• Enhanced memory retention
• Increased creativity, productivity and attention
• Enhanced self-esteem

Bianca and Reanna were smiling and relaxed by the end of the hour after learning how to garden and meditate. Reanna was really happy to have learnt how to plant, now looking for a nursery role as she said how she would love a job with planting!

We are so glad that the Participants were able to learn new skills through the session with a potential to work in the area. Great work Bianca and Reanna!

Learn more about our DES program at status.net.au/disability/about-des

On October 28th, Connor joined his Employment Consultant, Sue, for an event at the Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre: a session on ‘How to Be a Bat Detective’. Connor has been involved in our Disability Employment Service (DES) for 57 weeks, battling with Anxiety and issues with social settings and communication. The outing was a huge step for Connor as when he first joined our services, he was not able to leave the house without his dad.

Since joining DES, Connor has volunteered at a riding stable with his Dad, completed the Empower Program through one-to-one appointments and is now volunteering online with Digivol Australian Museum each week! Through the interactive Bat Detective Session, Connor and Sue were able to identify what level of activities he felt comfortable performing. The session was a success, with Connor answering lots of questions and even gaining a Bat Badge!

The pair learnt lots about bats including their role in keeping the Western Australian environment healthy, and how they can live up to 41 years. The session was hosted by local bat expert, Kelly Sheldrick, teaching the group about the importance of bats and how she studies them for a living. She did a show-and-tell of her equipment, mixing interactive segments within the session.

Connor is ready to attend more outings without his Dad, asking Sue for company for future events. Great job Connor, we can’t wait to see what you do next!

Learn more about our DES program at status.net.au/disability/about-des.

Lee joined Status Noarlunga through our Disability Employment Service (DES) in April 2023, eager to overcome his challenges to employment and set an example for his sons. The team at Status Noarlunga were keen to help Lee get back on his feet and got to work organising supports to build his confidence.

Lee was previously employed in 2011, losing his position to a change of shift, not allowing him to get to work through public transport. Since then, Lee has struggled to return to the workforce due to suffering from anxiety, sleep apnoea and learning and social difficulties. In the past, Lee struggled using public transport due to his anxiety and has avoided peak hour due to this. The team at Status organised skill building activities and social supports to build Lee’s confidence and learn to cope with his anxiety.

During his time with Status, Lee built his skills through:
• Participation in Employability Skills Sessions
• Enrollment in Pivot Training's Foundation Skills program to improve his literacy and numeracy skills
• A styling session with Geared for Success

His active engagement in the supports provided have helped Lee thrive and feel more confident in himself. He is proud to set a better example for his sons through overcoming his barriers to employment and gaining employment with Millennium in September 2024!

We are excited to continue watching Lee grow & succeed, as well as continue supporting him with his journey. Congratulations Lee!

Learn more about our DES program at status.net.au/disability/about-des.