The world can often seem unfriendly, confusing, and even frightening for people living with mental health issues and autism. So when Paris Conte witnessed how the power of roleplay could help people gain confidence and develop interpersonal skills, he knew he had discovered something transformative. These new skills developed through gaming are now helping young…
Read more
One of the unsung heroes of Melbourne City FC, Blake Henderson has been with the Club since day one and is one of the most important people within the City family. ‘Blakey’ – as he’s affectionately known to the Club’s players, coaches and staff – is one of the most passionate City people you’re ever…
Read more
Yesterday marked a welcome collaboration with Massoud Foundation Australia, as we delivered a free soccer tournament for Afghan refugees who recently fled to Australia for a safer life. More than 100 people attended the event at Francesco Crescent Reserve in Bella Vista to welcome the new refugees who had escaped their home country in desperate…
Read more
Imagine a hotel knocking down barriers and shifting perceptions of people with disability. That’s Hotel Etico, Australia’s first social enterprise hotel creating pathways to open employment for young people with intellectual disabilities. Located in the iconic Blue Mountains, this is a hotel with heart, where visitors give-back just by checking-in. It’s also a place where…
Read more
Patience, resilience and hard-work, coupled with the right support, helped Chris secure a full-time job in a school book warehouse. The 63 year Cabramatta job seeker had a lengthy employment history as an Accounts Officer, including nearly 20 years of owning a Newsagents before coming to MatchWorks. “When I first met Chris, he was on…
Read more
Atoor knows first-hand the challenges of rebuilding a life in a new country. She was forced to flee her home country in 2009 when her life was threatened. Now the Iraqi refugee has landed her dream job helping other refugees find peace and stability in their community. Born and raised in Baghdad, Atoor worked…
Read more
Vision impairment hasn’t hindered Sonja’s efforts to find a rewarding career. The Adelaide job seeker who is blind in both eyes started looking for work in April this year. With years of administration experience and seven years as a non-paid Carer, it wasn’t long before a local NDIS provider recognised Sonja’s skills and lived-experience. “Bissycare…
Read more
Tahlia’s determination has successfully landed her a job that combines her passion for cooking and people management. When the young Bendigo job seeker first met with the MatchWorks team, she had a limited work history and was low in confidence. Her numeracy and literacy skills had been impacted by her intellectual disability and she needed…
Read more
This Sunday 10 October is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme ‘Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality’ is as significant as ever for our community. Our experienced Health and Wellbeing team are available for mental health support. In the spirit of inclusion, we’re sharing some of the other languages…
Read more
Tanner has been able to manage his extreme anxiety to find a permanent job with an egg farm where he feels happy and respected. When the Adelaide job seeker joined MatchWorks in 2017, he had never worked or completed formal education. Tanner identifies as transgender and MatchWorks Employment Consultant, Bessie Baker supported Tanner to change…
Read more