Bernadette has depression and anxiety, from incidents that occurred when she was a child. She has been in and out of mental health institutions and hospitals since she was 10 or 12 years old.
Bernadette gets anxious around people she doesn’t know. So joining the workforce, which involves interacting with a range of people, has been a huge feat to try and overcome.
Tarra Valley Nursery has been incredibly supportive in helping Bernadette gain and maintain employment. They have listened to Bernadette’s needs and have employed a number of simple changes to her work environment and work schedule to help Bernadette succeed at her work.
Bernadette works in the nursery weeding plants. She has been allocated an area to work on her own and has permission to move to different areas if she feels that other workers are coming too close to her. The Nursery has also implemented a flexible working schedule to take into account Bernadette’s transport needs. Bernadette requires lifts from family as her anxiety does not allow her to catch public transport.
Since she started work she has not had to move into different work areas, however, the knowledge that this option is available has helped to reduce her anxiety levels.
Bernadette has been supported by a Disability Employment Service provider since she started work. Initially they were on site 100 percent of the time but have slowly reduced contact to 30-50 percent of the time as Bernadette has become more comfortable in her role. In the short time that Bernadette has been at the nursery, she has gained confidence and a sense of self worth. She is very grateful to have been given this opportunity.
Tarra Valley Nursery is also pleased to have Bernadette on board. ‘Bernadette is a valuable employee. She is a hard worker and happily completes tasks that other nursery workers avoid. Having her on board has enhanced the community feel in the nursery. It has been great to be able to help someone like Bernadette join the workforce.'
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