Head High is helping to give adults with disability confidence in the workforce
If you were in Mosman last month, you may have been aware of a unique event happening in the area. Tucked neatly in the Allan Border Oval Pavilion, ‘The Pavilion Tea and Scone Society’ set itself up throughout March and April, providing visitors with food, refreshments, live music and lively conversation, with funds going towards the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
However, what set this pop-up apart was that it was run by Head High Disability Services, a Mosman and Manly-based service that looks to provide professional training to adults with intellectual, neurological and other disabilities. Created by Scottish educator Julie Ross-Edwards, pop-up stores across the North Shore and Northern Beaches are one of the ways in which ‘head highers,’ as Julie calls them, are encouraged to build confidence and get hands-on experience in a professional setting.
“All our pop-ups give my young adults the chance to showcase themselves in a real-life situation. Whether they’re a waiter or a retail assistant in one of our pop-ups, they are showcasing their skills, talents and personalities in a real-life working situation,” Julie told North Shore Living.
The difference this opportunity to ‘showcase’ themselves has for Julie’s young adults is invaluable, and one only has to look at head higher Jessica’s reaction and dedication to the event for proof. “I feel so impressed (with myself),” the budding waiter said, who completed their RSA course just for this event. “(Everyone is) having a wonderful day with all the awesome music playing, and I can see they enjoyed themselves!”
If there is one thing Julie thinks events like this prove, it is that her clients are adults first and foremost and deserve to be considered such by employers: “It is really tough. Like anyone getting employed, you want it to be a great match. (Employers) have to think a little about how your business can benefit.”
Head High Disability Services, motivated by Julie’s compassion, has helped make these young adults, who might often feel invisible or seen for the wrong reasons, put themselves out there and be seen as the capable adults they are. Julie encourages anyone who is interested to keep an eye out for the next Head High event, whether you want to get involved in a volunteer capacity or attend. You can find them on Instagram@headhighskills, or email Julie at headhighskills@gmail.com
BY ALEX DRISCOLL
