Overcoming social anxiety to find work: Alicia’s story
Meet Alicia, a determined young woman who overcame extreme social anxiety to get her first job last month.
Now the 24 year old is building her confidence and skills at Achieve Australia’s The Sewing Basket.
Alicia said she was anxious starting work but the friendly team at The Sewing Basket have been very understanding and helpful.
MatchWorks Central Coast team assisted Alicia by helping her prepare and find the role. The Sewing Basket is an organisation which provides supported employment opportunities for people with disability.
Today, we celebrate Alicia’s achievements.
“She has come so far since the days where she needed her mum to be her voice when attending appointments,” Employment Consultant Mathew said.
“We took the time to build trust with Alicia and delivered lots of support and positive reinforcement each week. Our Health and Wellbeing team also supported Alicia, and this team effort helped build her confidence so she could successfully interview and land the job.”
At The Sewing Basket, Alicia works on the register, makes fabric packs and assists with keeping the warehouse clean and tidy. Work has also provided Alicia with an opportunity to meet new people and improve her social connections.
“It was hard because all my friends had jobs so it’s good to be working and it’s nice here,” Alicia said.
“The people understand me and they help me. I was anxious starting work but I’m taking it one day at a time and want to keep up my two days… Eventually I want to do more.”
Congratulations Alicia!
International Day of People with Disability – Thursday 3 December
Today is International Day of People with Disability, a time to increase community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
This year’s theme is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World” and emphasises the importance of disability-inclusive responses to COVID-19.
Do you need support to help you find work?
Contact us to find out how we can assist.