Samantha, otherwise known as Sam, was no stranger to the Wellways PARC (Prevention and Recovery Care) program or mental health challenges before she started the Earn and Learn Traineeship. A participant in the PARC program ten years ago, Sam always thought highly of the PARC concept for providing her with the vital support she needed to take the steps to improve her mental health and wellbeing.
When the opportunity to complete the traineeship with Wellways came up, she jumped at the chance to experience life on the other side of the fence. She was eager to become part of the Wellways team and give back to those who were in a similar position to her ten years ago.
Sam’s experience with the program exceeded all her expectations. When she walked into the entrance on her first day, she was welcomed with open arms and recognised by many team members. Thinking that she was just going to ‘shadow’ others to learn about the job, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that she was treated like a valued member of the team. The coordinator said, ‘We want you to feel a part of the Wellways’ team.’ Every day at PARC was a little different. During the activities, outings, and group sessions, Sam was keen to bring a little piece of herself to the program.
Asked how her journey has been over the past year, Sam says it’s been ‘chaotic, fantastic, messy, stressful, but overall, a huge adventure,’ and she encourages anyone who is studying for the certificate in mental health to pursue the Earn and Learn Traineeship because ‘Wellways has been incredibly supportive’. After graduating from the Wellways Earn and Learn program, Sam is excited to share that she wants to take her mental health career to the next level by going to university.