How WorkBC's Bakery Assistant Program changed Leigh’s life

The brioche and buns at this bakery are so good, they’ve changed people’s lives.

Leigh was struggling with anxiety and depression, and found it difficult to work around a lot of people.

She wasn’t working, and she was in a very negative headspace.

This all changed when she connected with WorkBC and was introduced to the Bakery Assistant Program.

More importantly, she was introduced to Lesley, a Customised Employment Consultant at WorkBC, whose role is to help people who have limitations and disabilities.

Her view is, “We all like to say that there's always a job out there for everybody. We just have to keep pushing and keep practising and just keep asking the right questions.”

The bakery provided the perfect workplace and understanding Leigh needed.

She works in a team of six without any customer interactions, and they give her the time she needs to deal with her ongoing medical and health issues.

But for Leigh, it’s more than the job.

“You know, get the job done, get it done right, but work as a team and have fun. My self-esteem has improved immensely.

“I feel better about myself, externally and internally happier.” She adds,

“All of my basic needs are essentially taken care of now, or I'm able to take care of them myself because I've gotten to a place where I'm a functioning member of society again.

“I felt like a burden. So I don't feel like that anymore, and I'm able to actually help people now.”

Lesley has seen Leigh develop her confidence and evolve as a person.

As she opened up, she made it clear how she wanted to be treated, which helped the team at WorkBC, delivered by WCG Services, know how to provide the best support.

For people like Leigh who need help and support, finding a place like WorkBC was the missing piece in finding her direction and getting her life back on track.

As Leigh says, “The resources are there. Places like WorkBC know where exactly they are and how to access them. Step out of your comfort zone briefly, long enough to get to the resources that you need so that you can get to where you want to be.”

WorkBC by WCG Services is part of the global APM Group.