Internships
Creating workplace pathways – an innovative paid internship program.
Navigating the journey of returning to or seeking employment after experiencing a spinal cord injury can be challenging. Launched in 2023, the 12-week internship program, funded by the Sargood Foundation, aims to address some of these obstacles. Our innovative paid internship program provides individuals with spinal cord injury an opportunity to gain invaluable work experience in a supportive and inclusive environment.
“After my accident, I struggled to see what my future could look like. Spending months in the spinal cord injury unit and adjusting to a completely different life left me feeling uncertain and, at times, hopeless. Coming to Sargood on Collaroy changed that for me. It gave me a sense of belonging, purpose and possibility again.
When I joined the internship program, it was more than just work experience — it was a chance to rebuild my confidence, learn new skills and prove to myself that I still had so much to offer. Being surrounded by supportive staff and guests who understood the journey made a huge difference. The program gave me the opportunity to explore my interests, contribute meaningful ideas and slowly build a pathway back into employment and independence.
Today, I’m proud to be working four days a week at Sargood on Collaroy as a Project Officer. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is supporting people who are new to spinal cord injury. I know firsthand how overwhelming and isolating that experience can feel, and I hope that by sharing my story, others can see that life after injury can still be full of opportunity, purpose and optimism. What once felt impossible now feels achievable, and I’m excited about what the future holds.”