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Chris joined Castle in 2020 to find stable work while working on his health and independence goals.
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After trying several roles and overcoming transport and health setbacks, he secured regular cleaning work with Millennium Cleaning Specialists.
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He’s now training in a supervisory (C1) role and continuing to build confidence, skills and long-term stability.
Chris came to Castle in 2020 looking for support to find and keep work, while also getting on top of some personal goals around his health and independence.
Chris is now 37. He lives with epilepsy and ongoing mentalhealth challenges. For him, work has never just been about a payslip. It’s been about building confidence, routine and stability - and proving to himself that he can keep moving forward, even when things get tough.
Over the past six years, Chris has shown real determination. He’s tried different roles across labouring, process work, customer service and cleaning. Each job brought new challenges and new skills. Some roles lasted and some didn’t - not because Chris couldn’t do the work, but because life and health sometimes got in the way. Through it all, Chris stayed engaged, communicated openly with his caseworkers and remained clear about wanting to work.
One of Chris’s most significant roles was as a Process Worker with Colonial Foods. He was doing well in the job, but ongoing car issues and a car accident shortly after (linked to his medical conditions) made the long commute unsustainable. Castle supported where we could, helping with car repair costs and fuel cards, but ultimately the situation became too challenging. Despite this setback, Chris didn’t disengage or give up.
In 2025, Chris secured a cleaning role with Millennium Cleaning Specialists. Castle supported him with work clothes and safety shoes to help him get started. He was initially hired on an on-call basis, but Chris quickly showed his reliability, strong work ethic and willingness to step up. Before long, he moved into a casual role with regular shifts, working three or more days each week.
More recently, Chris has begun training to cover a C1 role at Millennium. This role involves supervising staff, responding to requests, ensuring policies and procedures are followed, and acting as a key link between hire management and centre management. It’s a big step, and one Chris has embraced.
Chris enjoys the responsibility and the opportunity to build new skills. It’s giving him broader experience and opening doors to future roles.
Even when challenges arise, Chris continues to show resilience. His manager, Adrian from Millennium shared:
“Chris works well in his role and is picking up other rolesquickly. He picks up shifts on short notice and is always open to staying back if required. He also gets on well with his coworkers.”
Chris’s journey hasn’t been linear, but he keeps showing up. He stays connected, asks for support when he needs it, and keeps working toward his goals. We’re proud to support Chris and to walk alongside him as he continues to build a working life that fits who he is and where he wants to go.
