Australian actress Jodi Gordon has taken an unexpected but inspiring step in her career.
Known for her role as Elly Conway in Neighbours, Jodi has spent more than half her life in front of cameras and in makeup chairs.
Now, at 39, he has embarked on a profoundly different journey.
Gordon swapped scripts for service and now spends four days a week as a mental health support worker at Sane Australia.
The organization provides crucial digital and telehealth support to people facing complex mental health issues and their families.
However, her commitment to mental health does not end there.
Gordon is also pursuing a Bachelor of Counselling and Communications at Torrens University in Sydney, where she is gaining a deeper understanding of the transformative power of language in mental health.
“Taking on a professional role in mental health is a big change for me,” Gordon shared with Stellar.
Australian actress Jodi Gordon has taken an unexpected turn in her career
Gordon now spends four days a week as a mental health support worker with 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 interviewed for. I was so happy when I got it,” she continued.
Despite her fame, callers to Sane’s helpline are unaware that the empathetic voice on the other end belongs to a Logie-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 interviewed for. I was so happy when I got it,” she told Stellar Magazine this week. (Pictured, Home and Away)
“I’m just chatting and asking questions like, ‘What’s going on today? What’s bothering you?’ I love the anonymity.”
Gordon’s new role at Sane Australia is more than a job – it’s a mission.
“It’s a great honour to work for a company that is truly fighting to change the stigma around mental health. It’s wonderful to work in the advocacy space. Having experienced discrimination and stigma first-hand, what I do makes perfect sense.”
