Sometimes everyone needs a hand to get along in life and one young person who has benefited from this is 26-year-old Dubbo woman Oceanlee.

The NDIS participant has, with the help of local Dubbo support provider Social Futures, overcome significant challenges to achieve her goal of finding work and being independent.

Oceanlee was determined to push past her challenges and secure full-time work, get her driver’s licence, and move into her own home – two of which she has now achieved, a spokesperson for Social Futures told Dubbo Photo News.

When it came to looking for work, Oceanlee, who lives with social anxiety, separation anxiety, and a mild intellectual disability, never gave up. With the support of her local coordinator, she succeeded.

“After I finished school, I contacted Social Futures then I met my coordinator Noel. He’s amazing,” Oceanlee said.

“He’s helped me achieve most of my goals. Reenie from QOE Health has been great, too.”

Oceanlee now works at Bunnings, a job she’s really enjoying.

“I started as a casual, three months later I was offered a full-time job. I’m loving it!” she said.

“Working at Bunnings has helped me to overcome my social anxiety. I don’t like big crowds, but I’ve been doing so well,” Oceanlee said, grateful to her Bunnings colleagues.

“They've all been so proud of me.”

Support from NDIS and Dubbo QOE Health has made a big difference to Oceanlee’s life, especially building her confidence and independence.

“It’s helped me so much. I’ve learned social skills, how to shop, and I’m even trying to budget, though I hate it!” she laughed.

Coordinator Noel said Oceanlee’s growth inspires him.

“She’s really embracing opportunities and developing her skills,” he said.

“It’s been absolutely magnificent to see her confidence grow and the supports working so well.”

Reflecting on her life prior to joining the NDIS, Oceanlee said that time was “horrible.

"I didn’t have anyone to help me achieve my goals except my family, and they struggled to help me. I struggled a lot,” she confessed.

Sadly, Oceanlee lost her father to cancer but managed to get her job before he passed away.

“He was the one who brought me to my first interview. He was the one who took me to my first shift,” she said.

Oceanlee’s now focused on the future and is learning to drive. She also has some more goals on the horizon.

“One of my dreams is to own my own house and travel,” she said.

Noel said Oceanlee is a great example of what’s possible with the right support and determination. If anyone would like further information about obtaining this kind of support, contact Social Futures.