Stepping Stone is a member-based community organisation in Brisbane, Queensland that addresses the serious impact that mental illness has on people’s lives. It is dedicated to suicide prevention and to ending social and economic isolation for people living with mental illness. This year, Coronado partnered with Stepping Stone to offer a paid, fixed-term job placement to one of their members, providing them with the opportunity to re-enter the workforce.
Through this program, the individual was able to interact with a range of people, take ownership of duties, prioritise and troubleshoot common problems. The individual reported that the experience had a significantly positive impact on their confidence. In addition, Coronado employees obtained a greater understanding and familiarity with people living with mental illness. This resulted in an increased number of discussions about mental illness in general, reducing the stigma attached.