Stacey* joined ParentsNext with a very clear mission. As a single parent of a five-year-old with special needs, she was determined to upgrade her qualifications and build a lasting career that would support her and her son. Thanks to the practical and financial support offered through the ParentsNext program, Stacey was able to return to her postgraduate studies and is now well on her way to realising her dream career.
Hurdles to overcome
Parenting responsibilities and the COVID-19 pandemic had kept Stacey out of the workforce for two years. Not only that, but her postgraduate studies in psychology had come to a halt. As bills piled up, Stacey leant on friends for financial assistance but she knew that wasn’t a long-term solution.
During their initial appointment in July 2022, ParentsNext Consultant, Naomi Sinclair, quickly understood the financial and administrative challenges Stacey faced in order to resume her Masters degree. These challenges were essential to overcome if Stacey was to realise her aspirations of becoming a clinical psychologist.
“We systematically looked at her study-related expenses and made a plan to draw from the government’s Participation Fund to help Stacey achieve her goals,” says Naomi.
The Participation Fund is made available to ParentsNext providers from the Australian Government. Providers can access the Participation Fund to help their participants cover the costs of study or work goals, such as training, licences, equipment, and clothing items.
Many small steps
One-by-one, Naomi and Stacey tackled all the necessary hurdles to clear Stacey’s path towards achieving her goals.
The financial assistance from the Participation Fund paid for some university-related fees, professional registration fees and licence checks. It also freed up some money for Stacey to catch up on her rental arrears.
“Plus, I could alleviate some of the administrative burden of dealing with various agencies, which meant Stacey had more time to concentrate on her son’s support needs,” says Naomi.
Stacey has been grateful for the support, writing: “I wanted to say a huge thank you again…your ongoing support has been invaluable.”
Looking forward to the future
In 2023, Stacey secured her placement in her postgraduate course of choice. With all her coursework completed, she is about to start her clinical placement, the final step on her journey to becoming a practising clinical psychologist.
Stacey is thrilled to be close to the finish line now, knowing that her determination and hard work will soon pay off for her and her son.
Well done, Stacey! Your will to succeed is an inspiration to all.
*name changed to protect privacy
About ParentsNext at Jobfind
The ParentsNext service supports parents and carers who receive Parenting Payment to plan and prepare for work by the time their youngest child starts school.
Support includes help with developing skills, training or work experience, help arranging financial support for job preparation skills, training and other work-related expenses or connecting to local support services such as counselling.
Jobfind offers ParentsNext in Victoria in Box Hill, Camberwell, Cheltenham, Flemington, Melbourne and Richmond.
To enquire, email parentsnext_vic@jobfind.com.au
