When Patrick first connected with WISE four years ago, he was searching for a fresh start and a chance to regain his confidence. With the support and encouragement of the WISE team, Patrick began a journey that would transform his outlook on life and open the door to true independence.
“I was pretty worn out. The doctor had written me off,” Patrick recalled. “I’d just let go of life. I had a big beard and long hair, and I didn’t look anyone in the eye. I was just trying to get by.”
Adding to his challenges was his dyslexia, which made filling out job applications and paperwork feel like an insurmountable barrier. He would often come into the office, quietly fill out his forms, and try to leave as quickly as possible.
That all began to change when he met his Job Coach, Katriona.
“As soon as I met Katriona, my life improved—just knowing someone cared made all the difference,” Patrick said. “It was tough for me to get back into work. But if I was ever feeling down, or had any problems, I just got in touch with Kat.”
Katriona immediately recognised Patrick’s potential, even when he couldn’t see it himself. She offered the perfect balance of genuine compassion and the tough love he needed to keep moving forward.
“It’s been a real chalk and cheese transformation. Pat is about three inches taller now, and he’s got so much more confidence in himself,” Katriona said.
With Katriona’s guidance and his own quiet determination, Patrick began to rebuild his life. He started volunteering, which eventually led to a paid role as a Logistics Assistant with Save the Children.
Patrick’s growth in the workplace has been nothing short of remarkable. What started as a tentative step back into the workforce has blossomed into a thriving career. Ronnie, a leader at Save the Children, has been continually impressed by Patrick’s journey.
“Over the past few years, it was great to watch Patrick really come into his own,” his employer shared. “What started as a nervous and unsure presence grew into someone confident, capable, and comfortable in his role. He backed himself more and more over time. He became a genuinely valuable member of our team, someone we could rely on and trust to get the job done.”
This newfound confidence at work quickly had a ripple effect in Patrick’s personal life. The man who once lived in a challenging boarding house has now moved out to a quiet property on acreage, completely independent. He now manages his own finances, cooks wholesome meals for himself, and is finally enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
“Having that pay cheque meant I could just go down the street and get a handful of hot chips and a can of soft drink, and just sit there and enjoy it,” Patrick said with a smile.
His financial independence has also allowed him to reignite old passions. A lifelong fan of ice skating, Patrick was recently able to purchase a brand-new pair of ice skates, and he frequently gets out on the rink. He also saved up to buy himself a motorbike.
For Katriona, watching Patrick achieve full independence is a bittersweet but deeply rewarding experience. When Patrick recently told her he felt ready to handle things on his own without regular catch-ups, she was genuinely moved.
“I was really sad, to be honest, because I thought I’d never hear those words come out of Pat’s mouth,” Katriona said. “But I was super proud of him. It was an honour to have been part of that journey with him. Ninety-five per cent of the work has been Patrick taking on board what we’d talked about and learning how to become independent.”
Looking back on how far he has come over the past four years, Patrick is proud of the life he has built and the resilience he has shown.
“I had that cloud over my head for such a long time,” Patrick reflected. “But lately, the cloud has lifted.”
If you’re a job seeker, register your interest as a WISE job seeker today
If you’re an employer, please register your job vacancies with us