When Imogen finished high school two years ago, she joined Annecto Bacchus Marsh to participate in some of the programs of support. Introverted by nature, Imogen had a simple goal: “to be not as nervous around big crowds. Because I have anxiety, which is not really fair!”
Passionate about singing and dancing, Imogen quickly joined the drama and choir programs. There, she performed many songs from different genres and artists, including her favourites, Ed Sheeran and Billie Eilish. This is also where she met her best friend, Beth.
As the months passed, Imogen started feeling more confident, fighting her shyness and growing in confidence.
At the end of 2023, she performed ‘What was I made for?’ by Billie Eilish, in front of a big crowd in Bacchus Marsh.
Imogen feels she has made real, lasting connections with the people she’s met at Annecto.
“It’s very welcoming here. I have met the most awesome friends here. They’re like a family outside of home.”
“I also learnt to be nice to people. I have met the greatest people here, even the people that can’t talk, I still understand them,” Imogen says excitedly.
Another song she and her friends will be performing is ‘Bunjil the Eagle’, which they all learnt in sign language.
In just a couple of years, and by following her goals and dreams, Imogen has bravely come out of her shell.
When she is not singing and dancing, you can find Imogen at local Bacchus Marsh gift shop You Want You Should, an Annecto enterprise, where she is building her customer and retail skills
Annecto supports you to live independently in your own home and in the community for longer. To learn more about the disability support services we offer, click here.