Our stories
Championing Inclusion
7 Sep 2017
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s Ability Links has launched its new Inclusion Champion project to support businesses to diversify their customer base.
The Inclusion Champion project has been piloted in 10 central Sydney cafes with the goal of improving mainstream awareness and understanding of customers with disability.
This project involves a person with lived experience of disability having an honest, round-table conversation with café owners and staff about what makes a great customer experience for them.
“After chatting with an Inclusion Champion, I have made it my challenge to make my café as welcoming and accessible as possible. Not only for people with disability, but for everyone in the community,” said Kumiko, owner of Refn Café in Redfern.
Read more about the project in the South Sydney Herald
Back to Tafe - Linda's Story
4 Sep 2017
Linda experiences anxiety and depression that leaves her unable to leave the bedroom and makes it difficult for her to attend school. Supporting Luke Get Back On Top
28 Aug 2017
When Luke picked up an Ability Links flyer at a local op shop, he was at crisis point and didn’t know where to turn.
Luke had been experiencing mental illness and substance abuse for most of his life and said he was on the verge of relapsing and wanted to attempt suicide due to his current situation.
Financial problems, unstable housing, isolation, relationship breakdowns and depression had placed Luke at breaking point.
Ability Links supported Luke to take control of his life, make some positive changes and start planning for his future.
Port Stephens Council and Ability Links NSW roll out Event Tents
23 Aug 2017
There’s no need to avoid big, loud community events anymore when people can seek a little solace when it all gets too much.
That’s the thinking behind the Ability Links NSW Event Tent now under trial in Port Stephens.
Port Stephens Council is one of the early adopters of the Event Tent. They serve as a kind of one-stop-shop for people to access what they need.
Mental Health Olympics
23 Aug 2017
A Mental Health Olympics held for students at Callaghan College, Wallsend Campus could be used as a pilot program for schools throughout the Hunter region.
The day-long event was born from one Newcastle student’s desire to raise awareness of the seriousness of mental health for other kids.
They were also given the opportunity to talk with mental health professionals from headspace Newcastle, Ability Links and The Samaritans Foundation throughout the day.
Hunter youth and community engagement arts organisation UP&UP helped students create a mural focusing on diversity and positivity.
Making Music
12 Aug 2017
After being discharged from a mental health facility, Terry's social worker suggested he work with St Vincent de Paul Society's Ability Links.
After discussions with his Linker about his dreams and goals, Terry returned to following his passion for music. He's enjoyed success with live performances, and studio recordings.
Terry says he is feeling much happier now, and much more confident.
Click here to read Terry's full story
Building a Business - Pepey's story
5 Aug 2017
Pepey’s goal was to start his own small business.
Not only that, but Pepey would like his lawn-mowing and maintenance business to support those who are living with a disability – by becoming an NDIS provider himself.
Pepey said he “wants to start a business that is honest, loyal and supports people who also have a disability”.
Fit to Fight Mental Illness
3 Aug 2017
Said was homeless, and generally poor in mental and physical health. He used fitness as a means to improve his mental and physical health, and build his confidence and self-discipline.
Said wanted to share the benefits of exercise with others experiencing poor mental health and/or homelessness. He gained certification and set out to be a personal trainer.
Working with Ability Links, Said found a mentor to help him set up a personal training service for people with a disability or mental illness. He was also linked with a community sports centre and started working as a volunteer. Once he has further qualifications he will likely be added to the roster as a paid instructor.
Read Said's full story here
Rei's Story
31 Jul 2017
Rei had recently moved to a new area. He was looking for ways to remain active and become involved in his new local community. After meeting with Ryan from Ability Links, Rei decided to focus on his passion for karate. Rei and Ryan worked together to find a local class, choose a time to attend and determine a way to get there.
Rei was an instant hit with the Karate class, impressing the other participants by performing a choreographed Karate routine. Rei chatted with the adult participants in the class, and got involved in a game of ‘tip and chase’ with the younger kids, bringing an infectious energy into the room. After the first class the Sensei remarked that Rei, “trains very hard!”, and encouraged him to come weekly. Rei said to Ryan after the class that he really enjoyed himself, and that he felt everyone was friendly and welcoming. After the second class, Rei’s mother Yumi contacted Ryan to let him know that Rei was very happy with making new connections at the Redfern Community Centre and intends to attend weekly Karate classes.
Click here to read Rei's full story.
Speedy realises his life long Rabbitohs dream
23 Jul 2017
“Speedy” is well-known in Coffs Harbour. He has a larger than life personality and is a huge fan of the Rabbitohs.
He is usually kitted out in Rabbitohs gear, with team flags and streamers flying from his bike’s handlebars. Speedy even keeps two pet rabbits and a guinea pig named Russell as part of his devotion to the Rabbitohs.
Speedy's dream was to get to a Rabbitohs game, because he had never had the chance to see his beloved team play.