Building a bright future
AFTER A TOUGH CHILDHOOD, KATE MOVED TO GEELONG AND USED HELPFUL GUIDANCE FROM WELLWAYS TO TURN HER LIFE AROUND.
IT took finding somewhere to live for Kate, 23, to start rebuilding her life after a traumatic start.
Now living happily in Drumcondra with her dog Bella, Kate is tackling life with fresh confidence and welcome support.
It was with the assistance of Wellways that Kate found somewhere to live in 2016.
“It gave me a space of my own to start off with, and a sense of identity, which is what I craved a lot, and which really helped,” she said.
After a tough childhood in Albury, it wasn’t until Kate moved to Geelong and found Wellways, that her prospects began looking up.
Despite having mental health issues, several congenital health concerns and suffering chronic pain, these days Kate doesn’t let any of this stop her from achieving her goals.
Wellways has helped guide Kate’s journey with the National Disability Insurance Scheme, assisting with her application then moving to support co-ordination, providing services and guidance.
Since being accepted into the scheme, Kate is studying at TAFE, playing social basketball and leading a productive life.
“The NDIS has helped me,” she said.
Wellways is an NDIS provider specialising in mental health, disability, complex needs and supported independent living.
“I really wouldn’t be here today without (the NDIS) or the help of Wellways,” Kate said.
“They’ve helped push me back up to where I need to be. They’ve seen the highs and the lows, but they’ve supported me along the way.
Support co-ordinator Taylor Cullen said Kate had blossomed into a kind, resilient and positive spirit.
“Kate has had quite a difficult few years but with the supreally port from Wellways, Kate’s mental health has dramatically improved,” Ms Cullen said. “Kate is very passionate to `pay it forward’ and has recently applied to volunteer with Barwon Child, Youth and Family, so she can give back to the community who has supported her.”
Kate’s next goal is to find paid employment in the disability and community services sector. For information on Wellways support services, phone 5292 1694.