Mick’s story

The client

Since the start of 2024 Mick has shown significant growth and development in several areas. He previously had no interest in physical activities, made poor nutrition choices, and had continuous negative interactions with his family. He also had limited interest in schooling. He has improved upon all areas of concern and appears to be flourishing in recent times.

Mick, a Youth Residential client, studied mechanics earlier in the year, completing the course with ease and picking up some valuable skills along the way. The course also allowed him to form social connections and relationships within a group of like-minded peers. Mick communicated with everyone that this form of education and self-progression was his preference over mainstream schooling.

Mick has just been accepted into a TAFE to complete a brick laying pre-apprenticeship. He recently attended an orientation day with staff and is highly looking forward to the course. The course runs for six months and requires him to attend three days a week, giving him a platform in which he will not feel overwhelmed.

Staff identified at the start of the year Mick’s tendency to choose processed foods.  He has improved his relationship with food, eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as food higher in protein to supplement his newfound passion for working out at the gym. Staff were initially accompanying him to gyms and now interact with him while he utilises the gym equipment that has been provided at his house. He has also found a new hobby in rock-climbing, attending sessions weekly and improving his fitness.

He has formed strong relationships with staff, with consistency of staff being a key factor towards Mick’s feeling safe, independence and overall wellbeing. Mick has remarked on several occasions his overall mental health has improved massively throughout his time with Outcare. He has also improved his emotional intelligence and finds it easier to communicate with staff, often advocating for things he would like to improve within the house. Staff have continued to encourage Mick to make sensible and safe decisions regarding interactions with family members, and he has appeared to take a more mature and positive approach thanks to the ongoing efforts of his carers.

Mick has come a long way since his introduction to Outcare. This is thanks to the staff who continuously support, challenge, and empower him to be the best version of himself, along with Mick’s willingness and openness to take on advice and directions from those around him. Mick is an intelligent, thoughtful, and caring young man who has a bright future if his path continues in its current direction.