Renate rediscovers her confidence one shift at a time

A year ago, Renate was barely leaving the house.

Severe anxiety, depression, back and knee pain, and dental issues had led her to withdraw from the world around her, and from herself.

She had lost her job, her confidence, and for a while, her sense of what was possible.

When Renate walked into APM Canberra for help through Workforce Australia, she arrived with her support dog Blu by her side and little belief things could change.

Her APM Employment Consultant Courtney saw things differently.

From their very first appointment, Courtney worked to understand the barriers Renate was facing and tailored her support accordingly.

New clothes were sourced through the Employment Fund, helping Renate feel more like herself again before she had even attended a single interview.

Courtney helped identify that returning to a familiar industry would ease the pressure of re-entering the workforce, and Renate had experience in school crossing roles.

When APM's business development team identified a vacancy through Hoban Recruitment, they put Renate forward.

Just weeks after she first came to APM, Renate was offered the role of School Crossing Supervisor.

She took it, and she hasn't looked back.

Renate tells Courtney she loves her job.

Some mornings the anxiety still shows up at the start of a shift, but it fades once she gets going.

Every day she stands at that crossing, helping children get to school safely, and she smiles.

APM continues to support Renate with regular check-ins, petrol vouchers, and workwear, making sure every shift is within reach.

Outside of work, she is exploring part-time study, new dental treatments, and building a version of her life she is genuinely excited about.

More than a year into employment, Renate says she feels more confident than she has at any point in the past twelve months.

That is everything.

If you are ready to take your next step back into work, APM is here to help you find your way forward.

Visit our job seekers page to learn more about the support available.

And share Renate's story with someone who needs to hear it today.