Finding independence: Bowen Mental Health Hub helps Hayden reach his goals

Bowen resident, Hayden, was looking to make some changes in his life when he heard about the local mental health hub, since attending the 19-year-old has credited selectability for helping him to achieve goals that he had never thought possible.

Struggling with low self-confidence and anxiety for many years, Hayden wanted to meet new people, participate in group activities and learn new things.

“I remembered one of the support workers from when I was at School, so I thought I would come into the Hub and give it a go,” said Hayden.

It’s a life-changing decision that Hayden says has given him the confidence and skillset to achieve his goals.

“Getting my driver’s licence is something that the selectability team has been helping me with.

“I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it for a very long time but now I have started driving lessons, I want to learn how to 4-wheel drive."

Well on the way to receiving his provisional license, Hayden has extended his journey to independence by attending TAFE with selectability's support.

“I am working towards my cert IV in hospitality, I have always liked that kind of work since leaving school and working at McDonalds.”

On top of his own personal life goals, Hayden’s regular attendance selectability’s Mental Health Hub has improved his mental wellbeing, allowed him to make new friends, and enjoy special outings.

Experiences that Hayden believes have changed his outlook on life.

“I have met a lot of new people and been involved in a lot of groups like going to Townsville for Cowboys football games and the Professional Bull Riding, or the speedway in Bowen.

“I really enjoy going out of town and experiencing things like that”.

Hayden’s independence has increased much further through support coordination liaising this year and he has developed everyday life skills to help maintain his house and cook meals.

More recently, Hayden’s determination has seen him move out of his family home, into a new home in Airlie Beach where he now lives independently.

He is particularly proud of his new job for which he undertook training in Sydney, all while maintaining his preliminary goals of getting his licence and finishing his TAFE course.