When Harry first walked through the doors of Opendoor, he wasn’t searching for a job, he was simply taking a step forward.
After experiencing a period of mental health decline following an episode of psychosis, Harry was finding it difficult to regain his footing. “I was struggling to find work due to a lack of self-confidence and motivation to improve my circumstances,” he says. “I found Opendoor (at the time WCIG) while walking down the street with my mum, and she recommended I give it a try.”
That one small step, walking through the door, would go on to transform Harry’s life.
Starting with Understanding – Disability Employment Services (DES)
At first, Harry joined our Disability Employment Services (DES) program at Brunswick, where he was gently supported at a pace that suited him. “Initially, I was mainly using the service to access the disability pension,” he explains. “I still didn’t feel like I was able to work.”
But with encouragement and some creative brainstorming, Harry’s goals began to shift. When he heard about Cleanable, Opendoor’s supported cleaning enterprise, he saw an opportunity to gain experience in a field he’d been thinking about, and he went for it.
Confidence in Every Clean – Cleanable
Harry’s time at Cleanable marked a turning point. The routine helped him reconnect with daily life. “I was getting out of the house in the mornings, something I hadn’t done in a long time,” he shares. “Working at Ceres was lovely. Such a nice environment to wake up to.”
More than just a job, it was a place where Harry could build confidence, develop skills, and feel supported by his team. He eventually used that experience to secure another cleaning role at a local tennis club.
Discovering His Calling – Disability Support
Through regular catch-ups with Mel, his Employment Mentor, Harry shared his deeper aspirations: “I mentioned I was interested in becoming a disability support worker. She told me that Opendoor offered disability support, and I expressed my interest in joining the team.”
Mel recognised Harry’s potential straight away and supported him to take the next step. “She believed in me, and that really encouraged me.”
Now working as a support worker, Harry is doing what he loves, helping others feel seen, heard, and supported. “It’s rewarding to see someone living a more comfortable, happy, and accessible lifestyle – especially when those shifts come from small things I’ve been able to contribute.”
A Life Transformed
Today, Harry works two jobs, one as a support worker at Opendoor and another at a community music venue. He’s moved out of home, reconnected with friends, and continues to grow every day.
“I’ve learnt that my mental health doesn’t have to dictate my life, I can still show up, grow, and build a life I’m proud of.”
To those just starting out, Harry offers this advice:
“Take it slow. There’s no rush. There are services out there designed to support people in your situation… It might not happen overnight, but there’s no harm in trying.”
Find out more – National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Opendoor
Learn about Cleanable – Cleanable | Social Enterprise Cleaning Melbourne & Brisbane
