In Nigel Matthews’ day-to-day, he is a mentor at Inclusion WA. But for Harri Joyce, a young man with autism, he is much more than that.
Bold Charters’ Harri Joyce with mentor Nigel Matthews.
“Starting off small” at a local Men’s Shed 10 years ago, their 30-year age gap made no difference; they “clicked” immediately, beginning a weekly mentoring relationship neither knew would be so transformative.
Joyce had always dreamed of founding his own business, and by leveraging his background in accounting, Matthews assisted in years of preparation that saw Joyce launch Bold Charters in 2020.
The personalised transport service operating across Perth ferries NDIS participants and other regular clients to appointments, schools and events using a specially modified wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
Joyce now works with a steady list of regular clients – six or seven each week – as well as ad-hoc jobs. His latest addition, a second vehicle operated by his father, allows for even more flexibility and expansion.
Matthews helped Joyce with admin tasks, applications and registrations, and got hands-on to modify the vehicle to make it wheelchair-accessible.
He describes Joyce as the kind of person to really listen to people.
“He’s flourished,” Matthews said.
“His confidence has completely transformed.”
