Learning valuable life skills and independence

Hannah shares her story about how Northcott has supported her to learn new skills to get employment and gain independence.

I finished high school in 2015, and straight after that I began my journey with Northcott. Over that time, Northcott has become a really important part of my life.

Not long after starting with Northcott I studied Animal Studies at TAFE while still receiving support. That experience helped me build confidence and skills and it led me into volunteering.

At the same time, my supports with Northcott were growing. I first started in the Work and Study program, which helped me build skills for employment. From there, I moved into Life Skills, where I attended three days a week.

In Work and Study, I learned job interviews skills and then had one on one support with a support worker to develop my skillsets. With the Life Skills program I learned more about travel training.

As I became more independent and started working, I’ve now reduced my support to one day a week.

Growing skills and independence

At the same time, my supports with Northcott were growing. I first started in the Work and Study program, which helped me build skills for employment. From there, I moved into Life Skills, where I attended three days a week.

In Work and Study, I learned job interviews skills and then had one on one support with a support worker to develop my skillsets. With the Life Skills program I learned more about travel training.

As I became more independent and started working, I’ve now reduced my support to one day a week.

Gaining employment

Through this journey, I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to achieve. I’ve secured not just one, but two jobs in research, which is something I’m very passionate about.

In the past three years, I had the opportunity to work alongside Northcott on a project called Preventing Everyday Harm. This was a joint project with Flinders University, UNSW, and eight other partners. Being part of such a collaborative project was a really meaningful and empowering experience for me. That work has now come to an end, and I am now working solely with UNSW.

I’m also currently working on a project called Vax4Health, which supports people with disability to access their key vaccines in Years 7 and 10. Being part of something that helps improve health outcomes for others has been incredibly rewarding.

At one point, I thought I was ready to move on from Northcott. But I realised there were still services that could support me in new ways, like seeing a dietitian and continuing to build my everyday living and social skills.

Overall, my journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been one of growth, learning and achievement. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received and excited about what’s ahead.

Find out more about Northcott’s Work and Study program , opens in a new window