From homeless to hope: how DES saved Shane’s life

Shane’s journey of complex, long-term challenges shows how the right support can change lives for the better.

Shane McCartney has faced more challenges than most when it comes to finding a job.

Shane was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2015. After 18 months of grueling treatment in Townsville, he returned to Mackay to begin a new chapter. Here, he started his journey recovering from chemotherapy. His treatment caused his weight to drop to around 50kg. He was also learning to live with the effects of treatment, including brain fog, temperature regulation and memory issues.

Shane had many difficult life experiences before his cancer diagnosis. He says his life before cancer is what gave him the resilience to get through his treatment and back into work.

“I was homeless at age 11,” he said.

“I didn’t have any family to turn to. I couldn’t go to school, because I didn’t have anywhere to live. It’s a bit hard to have an education when you don’t have somewhere to stay, or family support.”

Shane has been living with a friend, Pete, for the past decade. Before this, he had lived on the streets for more than 20 years. This led to Shane experiencing mental health issues and substance abuse. Shane says being homeless brought a lot of unique challenges to job-hunting.

“When you’re homeless, it’s hard to have a job. You’ve got nowhere to call home, shower, wash your clothes, and have a good sleep. No one wants to give you a job when you’re homeless.”

“My hardest challenge was because I couldn’t read or write, and didn’t understand half the paperwork I had to do. It was also hard because no one knew where to contact me when I was on the streets.”

“It makes such a difference having somewhere to put your head down and know no one is going to kick you in your sleep.”

The power of getting the right support

Shane has done many jobs over the years. But it was a whole different task coming into the workforce again after his cancer battle. Shane had received Disability Employment Services (DES) support before. But in January 2021 he finally found a DES provider and team that was the right fit for him: CoAct/Community Solutions Mackay.

“They are so caring. They do everything they can to help you.”

Shane has been working with his current CoAct/Community Solutions Workforce Partner, Annette, since April 2024.

Annette has her own experiences with family members struggling with health issues. She says it’s given her an important perspective on how much of an impact health can have on a person’s life. She uses this experience to help connect with her customers.

For Shane, Annette’s support has been life changing. Over the years, she and the CoAct/Community Solutions team have helped him in many ways on his path to employment. With their help, Shane got a Certificate 3 in Individual Support Work, a first aid certificate, a yellow card and blue card, as well as police checks. CoAct/Community Solutions also helped him get clothes, supported him to get his manual license, taught him how certain technology works, and helped him apply for jobs and do paperwork. They even supported him through 16 weeks of study for his support worker qualifications.

“I couldn’t even read or write 20 years ago—I taught myself,” Shane said.

“I still don’t understand computers, it goes over my head—but CoAct/Community Solutions have been there for me and helped me out so much. I wouldn’t be where I am without their help—I would have given up.”

“Sometimes, I’ve got to think how to do something, even if I’ve done it before. I get frustrated and angry with myself, because I can’t do it or don’t know how to do it.”

Feeling heard can make all the difference

Shane says having someone listen to him made all the difference. CoAct/Community Solutions helped Shane to gain qualifications for, and then a job in, support work. After two years in his support worker job, he decided it was time for a change, and now works as a groundsman.

The CoAct/Community Solutions team helped him with navigating this career transition. Shane has been in this job for over a year now.

“I like it better than support work. I’ve always been a hands-on person. I like to get outside and do stuff.”

Shane sees Annette every two weeks to help him maintain his employment. Annette can reassess and adjust any supports Shane might need. Sometimes they review workplace procedures Shane might need help remembering or go through things he’s not sure of. But usually, it is simply space to check in and chat about what’s been happening for Shane.

“It’s been good to come in and have appointments with Annette. I come in here and tell her what’s going on, and if I’m having a rough time, she helps me.”

Light at the end of the tunnel

To others who are struggling, Shane’s message is one of hope.

“Things will get better,” he said.

“I could have been in jail, or not here at all. I tried to do myself in, and nearly succeeded. I struggled with mental health because I had no one to turn to. I’m alright now. I have my ups and downs, and if I’m feeling crap, I go to talk to people like Annette. It saved my life. I don’t know where I’d be now without CoAct/Community Solutions.”

“You’ve just got to stick with it and study and turn up for your appointments and do whatever you’ve got to do.”

“Stay strong. Don’t give up. Keep telling yourself you can do it. There have been numerous times where I’ve thought I couldn’t do this—but I had to do it for myself. And eventually, you’ll see a light at the end of the tunnel.”