A Fresh Start: PT’s Path to Purpose and Wellbeing
For Jon, life hadn’t been easy. A series of challenges, including mental health difficulties, a relationship breakdown, and involvement with the criminal justice system, compounded by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, had left him feeling stuck and deflated. As a sole parent with complex responsibilities, Jon faced significant barriers to employment, wellbeing, and daily stability.
But he wasn’t ready to give up.
Determined to create a better future for himself and his daughter, PT joined are-able’s Parent Pathways program. The program, designed to support parents as they prepare to return to work or study, gave Jon a safe, judgement-free space to explore new possibilities. With encouragement and guidance from his mentor, Shenae Hyder, he began to consider a career path that was both realistic and meaningful.
Jon enrolled in a Certificate III in Civil Construction at SWTAFE, a practical first step toward future employment. As he progressed through the course, his confidence and motivation began to grow. He and Shenae worked closely on rewriting his resume and cover letter to highlight his qualifications and his valuable lived experience supporting others in the community, strengths that had previously been overlooked.
That new sense of self-belief paid off. When an opportunity came up at Worn Gundidj for a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Case Worker, Jon applied and was successful.
Now employed in a role where he can use his personal experiences to make a difference, Jon supports people in his community facing similar social, emotional, and mental health challenges. His responsibilities include everything from practical support and transport to coordinating care from external services like psychologists and health professionals. In addition, Jon is now undertaking a Diploma of Mental Health to further strengthen his knowledge and contribution in the role.
“I feel a renewed sense of identity, confidence, financial stability, and improved mental health because I have a clear purpose,” Jon says. “I’m motivated in my work and no longer feel drained or isolated. My social skills have improved, I’ve gained confidence, and I’m proud to be a positive role model for my daughter. While the transition was challenging at first, our relationship has grown stronger, we really treasure the time we have together now.”
His mentor Shenae reflects proudly:
“Jon has demonstrated remarkable perseverance and resilience in his journey to return to work. His sincere commitment to building a better future for himself and his daughter has been truly commendable. It has been a genuine pleasure to support him in reaching these milestones.”
Jon’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with the right support, a clear purpose, and the strength to keep going, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
Parent Pathways empowers parents and carers to plan and achieve their family’s future goals through a personalised, flexible program that always puts parenting first.
Key features include:
- Connection with a dedicated mentor
- Personalised goal setting
- Flexible, realistic pathway planning
Children are always welcome, and the program is designed to be accessible and respectful of individual circumstances.
Learn more about how we support parents like Jon at areable.org.au/parent-pathways.