When Darby contacted our Sale office located at Work Solutions Gippsland in March 2017, he lived with extreme anxiety, depression and low self-esteem and found it difficult to leave the house. While he did well at school, he didn’t have enough self-worth to envision himself employed in any capacity.
When Darby met his Disability Employment Services (DES) Job Coach, Debbie, he was four years unemployed and unable to maintain eye contact or participate in a conversation without becoming emotional. In addition, previous employment services left him with growing self-doubt and negativity.
Together Debbie and Darby, worked on rebuilding his confidence through extending his education with a Certificate III Course in Business. Unfortunately, he found this and an initial job placement with a puppy breeder difficult due to a relapse with his mental health.
However, with growing confidence, Darby took on a position as an animal attendant at Unique French Bulldogs. Darby was soon taking on additional administration duties and within a short six months, was asked to assist training new employees.
Sharryn Aurisch, owner of Unique French Bulldogs said it didn’t take her long to see that Darby would be a great asset to her business.
“Darby gets along great with all my employees and is very good at his job. He is very efficient, very reliable and has turned out to be one of my best staff members,” says Sharryn.
His Job Coach Debbie found the experience of witnessing Darby transform from someone who couldn’t imagine working to a confident young man with an opportunity to become the yard kennel manager as highly rewarding.
“I am so proud of what Darby has achieved though his engagement with Work Solutions Gippsland and Unique French Bulldogs.
Darby says it’s a job that’s changed his life and that Work Solutions do amazing work. He’s re-engaged with old friends and even travelled into the city to attend a concert.
“I’m a completely different person. I feel like my adult life is starting properly and Work Solutions Gippsland has given me hope,” says Darby.
“Debbie has been a massive support to me, making sure I’m always feeling safe and content in my employment as well as my home life. I could not see myself having progressed this far without her continuous support.”
