Our Family Services Program Worker, Veronica Komodromou says she’s overwhelmed to be recognised for her work with carers in northern Victoria.
Veronica just received the Exceptional Service to Family and Friends in Community Mental Health from Tandem, Victoria’s peak body for family and friends supporting people living with mental health issues.
“It makes me feel really appreciated that I’m doing my job well and I do it to the best of my ability,” Veronica said.
“I wasn’t expecting to receive an award. I got a call to say that I’d been nominated, and even though I thought, that’s nice, I didn’t think I was going to win. When my name was called out at the award ceremony I was really touched.
So, when she found out that more than one person nominated her for the award, it made the occasion even sweeter.
“Knowing that people took the time out to put me up for the award was really lovely. You don’t really do this work because you want to be noticed. It’s the joy of seeing people connect with others who understand what they are going through that brings me joy and to also help people achieve their goals. There are many carers and families doing it tough and they really need support to help them navigate through the mental health system and to explore all the services available to them."
Veronica says that’s what she loves best about the job, and why she’s been doing it for 14 years.
Over more than a decade, Veronica has supported hundreds of people caring for others with mental health issues.
“Throughout my time I couldn’t tell you how many carers I’ve supported exactly!
“I love what I do, I love putting a smile on peoples’ faces and the feedback that you get from people such as ‘You’ve always been there for me when we needed you’ - is some of the recent feedback I have received.
Veronica facilitates carer activities such as outings and retreats as well as individual support, referrals to our Discovery program for families, space4us youth program and referrals to services such as NDIS and Carer Gateway.
“We tailor support to whatever the person’s or families needs are.
Veronica says her lived experience as a carer helps.
“You can understand what a person is going through when you have that personal experience yourself.”
Asked if she wanted to share anything else, Veronica says Wellways is her longest time spent with one employer.
“It’s a fantastic place, I work in a great team of wonderful people which makes it easier and more enjoyable."
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