Mental HealthHelp a 17-Year-Old Apprentice Secure His Future & Mental Health
The Story:
Hi everyone,
I’m reaching out as a mum who is doing everything possible to help her son succeed.
My 17-year-old son is an apprentice carpenter. He lives with ADHD and anxiety, which has made his journey a bit tougher than most. Due to his mental health difficulties and a school system not equipped to help him he had to leave school at 14.5.Living in a small regional town in NSW with limited opportunities and many negative influences, he struggled to find his footing. After losing two previous apprenticeships due to his mental health challenges, he knew he needed a fresh start.
The Breakthrough: Against the odds, he found an incredible opportunity with a builder in Sydney—500km away from home. He has been trialling with them, and for the first time in a long time, he is happy He loves the work, he’s focused, and being away from the bad influences of our small town has been life-changing for his mental health.To be taken on as an apprentice he needs a place to live.
The Crisis: Currently, he is staying temporarily with. an elderly relative, but this isn’t a sustainable long-term solution. We had accommodation lined up, but it unfortunately fell through at the last minute.
In the current Sydney rental market, finding an affordable granny flat or studio for a young apprentice is a massive hurdle. I have taken significant time off work to help him navigate this move and find a safe place for him to live, which has deeply impacted our family income and I also have another child to support.
I have looked into government supports also however it takes a long time for these things to be approve, and I need to secure him a home urgently.
I would never have dreamed of asking strangers for money however. I am desperate.
How You Can Help: We are desperately seeking funds to help cover:
- The Bond and initial rent for a small, safe studio or granny flat.
- Basic setup costs fridge,bed,food so he can live independently and stay close to his workplace.
- We will need around $10,000 to cover. these costs.
If we cannot secure housing for him, he will lose this job and be forced to return to the environment he worked so hard to leave. This job isn’t just a paycheck; it is his path to stability and a healthy life.
Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward keeping him in this job.
Thank you for helping me give my son the chance he needs to live a happy meaningful life.