We recently spent some time with Hireup support worker Craig, who's been on the platform since 2016. From teaching banjo to budgeting for a move, Craig loves supporting others in the Hireup community in achieving their goals.
After a 28 year career in sound production and community radio, Craig was after his next challenge. It was only after chatting to an old school friend who had a son with disability that Craig considered taking on disability support work for the first time.
“[Craig’s friend’s son, Alex had] finished high school and needed more support at home and out and about in order to achieve some of his goals. We already had a fairly organic relationship and it made sense to make it formal. I signed up to Hireup shortly after that and started supporting him straight away.”
That was three years ago, and since then Craig’s gone on to support thirty members of the Hireup community. “The best thing about working with Hireup is that there’s always something that’s transformational. There’s always something that changes your life…and in each instance it’s something that has come out of left field. Because Alex had done such a great job and I think wow, I’d really love to do that too. That’s just a small one.”
Craig has always had a passion for people and community. In the 1990s, Craig taught sound engineering to local radio stations across Asia and helped write policy in his local community centre in Sydney. It’s this passion that’s transferred into his more recent role as a disability support worker.
“Support work allows me to use my skills in a variety of ways. I’ve done a lot of professional training in mentoring and thought-leadership. I’m actually going to do some mentoring exercises [with someone I support]. I've already helped her with a move, so it would be great to figure what support she might need next.”
Craig also uses his time as a support worker to learn new skills and to try things he’s never considered. “Spending time hanging at the gym and watching him [Alex] develop with his exercise physiologist has actually motivated me. And so now for the first time in my life I’m exercising alongside him.”
Craig recommends support work work to anyone thinking about it. “It’s a lot of fun and the relationships I’ve built have been so enjoyable. It’s also given me an opportunity to use my skills in ways I wouldn’t normally think about.”
“There have been some moments for me since I’ve joined Hireup where you say “wow, that’s amazing." For me to say Alex learned and mastered a new instrument because of Hireup, it makes me feel really great. It’s the whole reason I do this.”
Craig hopes he can create a Youtube channel with Alex in the future to show off their love for banjo and guitar. And perhaps one day audition for The Voice.
If you'd like to find out more about how Hireup could work for you as a disability support worker or a person seeking support, follow the link to apply or email us at hello@hireup.com.au.
