Increasing independence and developing life skills

3 Aug 2020

3 August 2020

Casa Venegas, based in the inner west and south west of Sydney, provides secure accommodation, support and advocacy to help clients with an enduring mental health condition start their recovery journey, gain confidence, work on their health, build positive connections and ultimately move towards an independent and fulfilling life in the community.

After receiving support from Casa Venegas for the past seven years, Jason has received a permanent housing offer and is now flourishing in his own home.

In 2019, support workers assisted Jason to apply for NDIS funding and by June that year, he had received a package of just over $104,000.

Support workers also worked with Jason to submit an application for a housing pathway and began preparing him for when a housing offer came through. This included assistance with understanding the forms and providing identification.

Jason was delighted to move into his brand new, two bedroom unit from the Department of Housing.

In addition to securing permanent accommodation, Jason has found temporary work at the local fruit shop, which was a long-standing goal of his and has developed enough confidence to attend his medical appointments by himself.

“The service has helped me by maintaining consistent care and supporting me to commit to my mental health treatment plan and individual goals,” Jason said.

“The support workers worked closely with me and supported me by coming along to my doctor appointments, blood tests and case reviews, until I was able to go on my own.

“They helped me build my confidence and helped me recognise I was capable of going on my own.”

Over the past few years, Jason has learnt many invaluable life skills from Casa Venegas support workers which he says he will take with him for the rest of his life.

“One of my greatest achievements while residing with Casa Venegas is saving well over $20,000 by planning a weekly budget with my support workers,” Jason said.

“Another achievement has been gaining the ability to look after myself. Thanks to my support workers I have learned how to clean dishes, prepare meals, wash my linen and maintain daily living skills.”

“We are all extremely happy to see how much Jason has flourished and gained confidence as a person,” Casa Venegas Manager, Niki Alexopoulos said.

Jason’s message to anyone out there in a similar situation is to put your hand up for assistance.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, just like I did,” Jason said.