54-year-old Grant has faced many challenges in the last few years. Living with severe depression and anxiety, Grant’s mental health became his largest barrier to stability, resulting in long term unemployment.
Severe anxiety and depression can often feel debilitating, with many unable to perform daily tasks. Grant too suffered immensely, and was at a loss on where to go next. No solid income coupled with an inability to find employment – despite many attempts – left Grant homeless.
Having no stable accommodation meant Grant was unable to claim unemployment benefits, contributing to the further decline in his mental health and wellbeing.
“I felt incredibly hopeless and didn’t even know where to begin. My confidence had dropped, I had no family or external support and began to really feel the effects of my financial hardship. Being homeless, my personal hygiene and presentation wasn’t easy to maintain and being out of work for so long meant that finding employment was really difficult,” reflects Grant.
Grant joined WISE Employment in September 2021, and was introduced to Employment Consultant Maria who saw true strength and resilience in him.
“Grant has gone through a series of challenges that really affected his belief in being able to move forward, but his ability to cope with what he’s been through was his greatest strength. From our first meeting, he shared his story with so much vulnerability, and we both shed a tear or two. I felt so strongly about making sure his life was heading in a new direction,” said Maria.
Maria, and Grant’s In Work Support Consultant Andy, first assisted him with a crisis payment to ensure Grant was safe and able to purchase necessities like food and water.
They then worked closely with Grant to discuss what area of employment he was interested in. Grant is a qualified Auto Electrician by trade and expressed that he’d like to get back into this field of work, with the intention of becoming full time to support himself.
After a few months of working closely together, Maria could see Grant was ready to enter the workforce, but wanted to ensure he had the best chance possible of securing a role.
“I could see that he was mentally ready, but we needed to work on his presentation and appearance before getting him to the interview stage,” said Maria.
Maria referred Grant to community partner Suited to Success, a not-for-profit organisation providing appropriate work attire, shoes and new undergarments and toiletries for those in need.
“I went to the Brisbane store and met with a Stylist Specialist who offered me clothes to wear to interviews and showed me how to better present myself. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw my before and after photos. I was so proud of myself and felt positive about what was to come,” said Grant.
Maria, Andy and the WISE Employment Upper Mount Gravatt office worked tirelessly to see Grant succeed, with every one of them feeling touched about how far he’d come already.
After being offered a crisis payment, Andy met with a local community organisation and secured Grant stable accommodation, marking a huge step forward for him, offering security and peace of mind.
Knowing Grant’s certified trade, Maria began sharing his expertise to local businesses and they secured him an interview with Briskair, a premier auto air conditioning provider in Brisbane.
“When we arrived at the interview, we sat and spoke about how he was feeling. I really wanted to sing his praises before he went in, and highlight that he had both the skill and ability to do this. He was ready,” said Maria.
Maria assisted Grant throughout the interview, and the employer was very impressed with him. After a short conversation, Grant was offered a full time position, and he couldn’t have been happier.
“Getting this job is a testament to Maria and Andy’s hard work, support and encouragement. They showed me respect and understanding, and were always willing to listen. They really believed in me,” said Grant.
Having now been at Briskair for almost a year, Grant is thriving and loves his job.
“Briskair have faith in me and the work that I do. They trust my ability and value my input which feels amazing. They really care about my health and wellbeing, and if I ever need a hand, will always adapt to my needs. An example of how much they care is that I recently had my cataracts removed and they picked me up from hospital. Can you believe that?” said Grant.
Maria and Andy have built a close relationship with Grant, continuing contact to ensure he still has support now that he’s found employment. They speak regularly and catch up when they can, sharing a few laughs over a cup of coffee.
“I can’t even begin to explain how much my life has changed thanks to WISE. I have a stable job, financial independence, confidence and motivation. I now feel like I’m worthy of respect, and I feel proud that I can contribute to society. I’m saving up to move house and buy a car, and I can’t tell you how good that feels,” said Grant.
Grant’s experience with WISE was nothing short of incredible, constantly reiterating the feeling of confidence, empowerment and respect that Andy and Maria had given him.
“I was thinking of the biggest changes I’ve seen in Grant since he found employment, and while there are the big milestones of financial security, housing and accomplishment, I think the biggest thing for me is that he’s really happy. And that’s pretty amazing,” said Maria.
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