Janice Castledine

About the practice

Team Jake operates around a person-centred goal: supporting Jake to lead a fulfilling life through meaningful activities, relationships and community involvement. Since 2011, family, friends and paid support workers have collaborated to help him pursue those goals. Jake’s interest in caring for animals provides the foundation for his collection service. With support from his team, he collects unwanted linen from residents and delivers it to local animal rescue shelters and wildlife centres on their behalf. This creates a practical connection between people with surplus household textiles and organisations that can use them. A second micro-business gives worn towels another purpose as cleaning rags. Sold in bags and hand-delivered to local customers, the rags are used by mechanics, plumbers, painters and households. The website describes this as a way to prevent unwanted towels from being discarded into landfill. The social purpose is integral to both activities. Collections and deliveries allow Jake to meet people, provide a valued service and develop ongoing relationships. Team Jake explicitly connects this work with his National Disability Insurance Scheme goal of social and community participation.