From indoors to engagement: Bernie finds her confidence and place in the community
Bernie joined Aspect Adult Community Services St Albans centre in 2021. From the very beginning, her happy personality stood out. She’s talkative, expressive, and quick to smile — but behind that was a layer of anxiety that would often rise when she felt misunderstood.
When Bernie first joined, she was reluctant to be involved in any activities out in the community, due to her anxiety.
“She wouldn’t even go outside,” states Andrew Smith, Team Leader at Aspect ACS. “By looking at her personal goals and interests, our team has supported Bernie in her mission of improving her communication skills to be better able to express herself and how she’s feeling.”
The team implemented a checklist that included visual supports to aid understanding. A consistent and predictable environment, supported by unified language across staff, helped Bernie feel safe and confident.
The team also developed strategies to assist Bernie when she fixates and displays anxiety and looping behaviour, such as reducing and removing triggering environmental factors in her daily interactions.
Next, the team started supporting her in activities on campus requiring a short walk, such as going to the café and gym. These small steps gave her the confidence to try more activities, while also benefiting from physical exercise. Bernie was given choice and control over her day, with clear boundaries and expectations written into her checklist to promote independence and confidence.
Today, you will see Bernie joining participants to go shopping out in public for healthy meal prep, going to Bike Education and working on her fine motor skills through Art Therapy. She is able to freely express herself and manage her emotions.
“Regular discussions among staff ensured a strong, shared understanding of her goals and cohesive support. There is no stopping, Bernie, now” says Andrew. “She’s engaged in every activity and enjoying every minute she’s at Aspect. It’s been great to work alongside her as she continues to grow as an active member in the community.
Bernie’s family is thrilled. Seeing her out and about, building relationships and engaging with her world, has brought them tremendous joy. “Now we’re working with Bernie to explore her future interests and long-term goals,” Andrew adds.
If you’re looking for individualised support that meets your loved one where they’re at, Aspect ACS is here to help. You can learn more about our 4 Melbourne locations (St Albans, Hawthorn, Heatherton and Northcote) at aspect.org.au/acs
An excerpt of this story also appeared in Link Magazine Aug/Sept 2025
