LINC has congratulated their support worker Blake Collins on his appointment as coach of the Lithgow Bears Rugby League football side.
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Mr Collins has only worked with LINC for the past three months but he is already achieving big things.
“This is such a rewarding job, of course it has its ups and downs but I love it,” he said.
Helping people has always been in his blood, Mr Collins said.
“I have relatives with disabilities and so did some of my friends from school, but they are still amazing people,” he said.
Mr Collins recalled a story of hanging out with special education students at school and inviting them to join in games he was playing.
“It’s just a nice thing to do, including someone who doesn’t or can’t get included,” he said.
Mr Collins works with LINC between five to six days a week, always getting called up to do different shifts.
Working in group homes, or helping clients in assisted living options means Mr Collins gets to do a range of activities.
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“Drop-in support means that the support workers go into houses and help clients with personal care, cleaning, maintenance, mowing lawns and basic repairs,” Assisted Living Options coordinator Caitlan Young said.
“We also offer respite care for adults and children where we cook for clients, take them on social outings and prepare students for school.”
The group helps get children ready for school at their homes where they feel comfortable.
“We also do one on one programs, where we take clients on social outings such as the Lithgow City Bowling Club discos,” she said.
“We are the only provider in town to do assisted accommodation and children services 24/7.”
The team also specialises in support coordination and financial intermediaries where they pay the clients bills out of their plan so the clients don’t have to do it.
“I might cook their lunch and dinner and just have a chat to keep them company, or I take them on outings and do fun stuff,” Mr Collins said.
“It is really rewarding seeing them smile at the end of the day, that makes it all worth it.”
- Blake Collins
LINC general manager Sharon Holt said the team was extremely proud of Mr Collins.
“LINC is really proud of Blake and all of his achievements both with LINC and with footy,” Ms Holt said.
“LINC is proud to be a sponsor for the Bears this year in support of Blake.”
Mr Collins has played footy for 14 years, five years with the Bears before he left the squad, but after gaining some more knowledge he has come back to reinvigorate the team.
“Something needs to change in the squad if they want to win so I have brought some young guns with me and we will see how we go,” he said.
”During a home game I am hoping to get some clients to run out onto the field with us and to show them around the stadium, so that will be fun.”
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