News • 25 Mar 2019

Supporting clients to embrace difference

Conner has worked at Open Minds as an NDIS Support Worker for over a year, and is proud to make himself look as different as possible to help clients feel at ease.

As an NDIS Support Worker in Ipswich, Conner supports his clients to become as autonomous as possible.

Conner said: “Often clients who have recently been diagnosed with a mental illness will isolate themselves because they think that people will see them differently. My aim is to enable them to see that I’m different, we’re all different, and if we were all the same, the world would be a very boring place!”

Conner’s builds a rapport with clients by making himself look as different as possible, with bright hair, in order to help them feel more at ease.

Conner works to support clients to become as independent as possible, this can include support with budgeting, community based activities, daily living tasks, and self care.

Having been a Support Worker for over five years, Conner has developed a client centred approach and the ability to relate to people from all walks of life.

Conner said “Open Minds is an accepting environment for members of the LGBTI community like myself. I was excited to find out that there’s an LGBTI employee working group and I think it’s a fantastic way to engage our community of employees to best support our clients. I think more companies should have these types of committees in place to help people feel safe and secure about who they are.

“The best part of my job is watching people succeed and reach their goals. A lot of people don’t think they can do it, but when they do there’s a huge sense of pride and achievement.”

Conner with his pet parrots: Dolly and Kiara

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