Australian actress Jodi Gordon has made an unexpected but inspiring career move.
Best known for her role as Elly Conway in Neighbours, Jodi has spent more than half her life in front of the cameras and in the make-up chairs.
Now, at 39, she has embarked on a completely different journey.
Gordon swapped scripts for community service and now works four days a week as a mental health worker at Sane Australia.
The organization provides crucial digital and telehealth support to people struggling with complex mental health issues and their families.
However, her commitment to mental health does not stop.
Gordon is also pursuing a Bachelor of Counselling and Communications at Torrens University in Sydney, where she is gaining a greater understanding of the transformative power of language in mental health.
“For me, it’s a huge change to now be working professionally in mental health,” Gordon told Stellar.
Australian actress Jodi Gordon has made an unexpected career move
Gordon now works four days a week as a mental health worker at Sane Australia
“It’s funny because Home And Away was the first time I ever auditioned for an acting role. And Sane was the first corporate job I ever applied for. I was over the moon when I got it,” she continued.
Despite her fame, those who call Sane’s helpline don’t know that the empathetic voice on the other end of the line is a Logie Award-winning actress who once walked the catwalks of Milan.
“That’s what I love about Sane. Because it’s a telehealth service, I’m just Jodi,” she explained.
“It’s funny because Home And Away was the first time I ever auditioned for an acting role. And Sane was the first corporate job I ever applied for. I was over the moon when I got it,” she told Stellar Magazine this week. (Pictured on Home and Away)
“I just chat, ask questions like, ‘What’s going on today? What are you struggling with?’ I like the anonymity.”
Gordon’s new role at Sane Australia is more than just a job; it’s a mission.
“It’s a great honor to work for a company that is truly fighting to change the stigma around mental health. It’s great to work in the advocacy sector. Having experienced discrimination and stigma myself, I find what I do very rewarding.”