Sean Cooks Up a New Career

Working for a good employer can literally change your life. A concept that Sean Waterman is learning first-hand working for Lisa Adams and Kellie Ward at Bendigo’s Fox and Giraffe Café.

Sean experiences severe anxiety which impacted his confidence and made it difficult to find employment. He engaged are-able Disability Employment Services (DES) to support him with finding employment.

Amanda Amarto, Sean’s are-able Employment Consultant knew that in the right workplace and with the right support he had the potential to thrive. That workplace happened to be Bendigo’s Fox and Giraffe Café.

Sean started working at the Fox and Giraffe in a dishwashing and cleaning role in March 2021. On his first day, Amanda met Sean at the café to make sure he felt comfortable and supported. Amanda helped introduce Sean to Lisa, the team and together they went through what tasks the position requires.

Over time, Sean built up his confidence and in addition to washing the dishes also started to do basic food prep. With an increase in tasks and responsibilities, Sean found enjoyment in cooking. Now he is getting ready to begin his Commercial Cookery Apprenticeship.

Throughout this period both Lisa and Sean have been supported by Amanda who visits regularly and assists Sean with strategies to find the most efficient ways of doing his job while building his confidence.

Through employment, Sean has been able to move out of home and find his independence, he has made new friends and his confidence has grown.

“Having this job has changed my life, I’m so much happier now,” he said.

Amanda is so proud of everything Sean has achieved. “Sean is so much more confident and outgoing; he’s achieved so much from when I first met him. I’m so happy everything has worked out and so proud of what he’s achieving at work,” she said.

Lisa is thrilled Sean has been able to grow so much in his role at the Fox and Giraffe. As someone who used to work in employment services, she understands the value employment can make in someone’s life. Working with are-able she has provided employment opportunities to several local jobseekers in the past 12 months alone.

“Sean is a valuable member of our team. He has grown so much over the past 9 months, I’m so pleased he is enjoying his role and excited to support him as he commences his apprenticeship,” she said.