Supporting Kaylee's dream

Using challenges as stepping stones to success, one selectability Bowen consumer has demonstrated what can be achieved with the right support and an unwavering belief in oneself.

Consumer Kaylee has been one gleaming constant at the Mental Health Hub, having received support since we first started delivering essential services in the region

The 24-year-old has proven that progress knows no bounds, reaching goal after goal since first walking in the doors of the Mental Health Hub more than two years ago.

“When I first started coming here, I was struggling with severe anxiety and the daily challenges of life in general, and it was a very rough time in my life,” said Kaylee.

“I didn’t have a job or anything like that.”

With the support of selectability’s group programs, Kaylee found her confidence and most recently completed her degree in psychology and human physiology.

Now, as she prepares to start her honours in psychology, Kaylee’s focus has shifted to giving back to her community in Bowen, where she says mental health support is still needed.

“selectability was always there to listen and help me stay on track, I have made a lot of friends here too.”

Throughout this time, Kaylee’s confidence grew, eventually gaining work experience and regularly participating in group activities.

“Things like even attending the World Cup in Brisbane and Matilda's games in Townsville … I was able to do stuff like that and get out of my comfort zone, which was huge for me,” she says.

“Even with my degree, it was a safe space where I could study, get help when needed, and just focus on my goals.

“The support system here is very strong and I could lean on people for support to keep me accountable with my assignments and stuff.

“It would have been a different story if I didn’t have that.”

Kaylee’s decision to pursue psychology was motivated by her desire to help others through her lived experience of mental health and anxiety.

“I wanted to use my experiences to understand and help others, I think that is valuable to people that might be struggling.”

It is this passion for making a difference led her to volunteer with headspace in the Whitsundays, where she’s already making an impact.

“Places like Bowen have a long way to come when responding to mental health issues and people that are struggling,”

“I really want to come back and be part of the solution.”

As she prepares to start her honours year, she’s excited about her future and the opportunity to help her community.

Beyond her perseverance, Kaylee’s story serves as a reminder that resilience often comes with a strong support system. And those support systems are key to reaching goals of any size.

Kaylee represents that resilience, and selectability is proud to have been a part of her journey!

Whether it be more community access activities or outreach support for surrounding regions, our Bowen service has been a testament to positive change.

For more information on our services in Bowen visit here.