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Having a purpose, a reason to get up in the morning and move forward everyday is one of the many benefits that comes with a good job.
For Darren the sense of purpose that his employment brings has brought a life-changing and positive impact on his wellbeing.
A long spell without a job combined with managing anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), had made securing employment a major challenge for Darren.
It was following a confidence-boosting stint of volunteer work that Darren approached APM Employment Services for support in finding a meaningful job and a return to employment.
Finding the right role
Meeting employment consultant Samantha, Darren shared his goals and the type of work he felt he was capable of.
“When Darren first came to our office, he was quite shy but very eager to look for work in administration and data entry style roles,” Samantha says.
Seeing the potential for Darren to grow his confidence and skills, Samantha worked with him to complete training courses to boost his employability with local employers.
As his confidence and capability grew, Samantha suggested looking at roles outside of Darren’s suggestions.
Rather than limiting to specific job types, Samantha suggested Darren considered roles with more social interaction in the community.
And it worked.
“I threw him a bit of a curveball and said what about McDonald's in Somerville - and we haven't looked back” Samantha said.
Samantha helped Darren create a professional resume, complete an online job application and practice for job interviews.
Darren nailed the interview and was offered a role.
Continual growth
Like many of us when we start a new job, Darren was nervous beginning a role he had not done before.
His new employer Sarah was there to help him settle in and come out of his shell.
“When Darren first started, we spent a bit more time with him just to make sure he got the role correctly and knew what he was doing - but now he does it all on his own,” Sarah says.
“He's confident, has grown and he always gets in on the conversations with everybody,” she adds.
As part of APM’s post-placement support Samantha checks in with Darren and Sarah regularly to make sure they’re doing well and have everything they need.
“My nerves aren't as bad as they used to be,” Darren says.
He says the journey with Samantha and finding a job he didn’t think he would be able to do has helped him reconnect with his wider community.
“They've been good, helpful, they're kind, they support you, they've helped me out a lot,” he says.
“It makes me happy, doing something and having a purpose gives me enjoyment.”
APM Employment Services help thousands of people with mental health conditions, injury, illness or disability, to achieve their job goals every year through the Disability Employment Services program.
This can include supporting people with services to prepare them for the world of work, or helping them find a suitable job in their local community.