Abbie* received tailored one to one support from Barca's Employment Support team to help her overcome the barriers she faced to find meaningful employment. This story shares her journey.
18 year old Abbie lives with her parents, is socially isolated and is struggling to complete daily tasks unassisted outside her home due to her Autism diagnosis. She has no formal educational qualifications, but has over 10,000 social media followers and posts exceeding a million views.
The Barca Employment Support Worker gradually earned her trust and encouraged Abbie to meet with her at a local café. Abbie wanted to change her life and she developed a plan with the goals to build her confidence, develop life and work skills and start volunteering.
By chance, the cafe they met in had a role available and with adjustments and support Abbie took up a part time volunteering role. She began to build relationships with the other staff members and her confidence grew.
Abbie now works 2 days per week in a paid job and has completed coffee making training. Her confidence and independence outside of the house has grown, she now walks on her own to her café shifts.
*Names changed to protect identities
