Mark finds his way forward

At 56, Mark has a lifetime of experience behind him. He has lived and worked across Europe and built a strong set of skills along the way. But after a long period of unstable housing and work, Mark found himself at a very low point.

When he first connected for support with CoAct Connect + Community Solutions Fitzroy, he was living out of his broken down van. He felt lost, unsure of where he fit, and struggled with day-to-day life. Even simple things felt harder because of ADHD and anxiety, which also made it difficult to stay in work.

I felt like I didn’t know where I belonged anymore,” Mark said.

Understanding himself and rebuilding confidence

With support from his mentor Adele, Mark started working through both personal and work-related challenges. A plan was put in place to help him rebuild step by step.

A key turning point was taking part in 10 vocational psychology sessions. Through these sessions, Mark gained a better understanding of how ADHD affects his thinking, behaviour and interactions with others.

This helped him build important skills, including managing his emotions, improving communication, and feeling more confident in himself. Over time, Mark started to see his strengths again and rebuild his sense of identity.

Once Mark understood himself better, everything started to shift,” Adele said. “His confidence really grew from there.

He also received practical support, including work clothing and boots, so he felt ready when job opportunities came up.

A new job and a fresh start

In February 2026, Mark reached an exciting milestone. He secured his own job as a Maintenance and Repairer for holiday homes in Agnes Water.

This was a big moment, not just because he found work, but because he found it himself. It showed how far his confidence and mindset had come.

Today, Mark feels more hopeful and independent. He is continuing to learn more about himself and is focused on building a positive future.

I feel like I’ve got my life back on track,” Mark said.

Mark’s story shows that even after very difficult times, it is possible to rebuild. With the right support and self-belief, a fresh start is always within reach.

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