About me.
My name is Megan and I work as a Kitchen Assistant at Dyffryn Nantlle. I enjoy going for walks, visiting the cinema or theatre, playing video games and going on holiday.
Before joining the supported employment service…
I had worked at a local garden centre for eight years, but a change in management caused a lot of stress and I became very unhappy. When I went off with stress, I realised I needed to find a new job. My brother Phil and my sister’s friend Ceri, who both work at Careers Wales, suggested the North Wales Supported Employment Service. My mum contacted Agoriad Cyf, and Robyn linked with Sian (EPC). Sian arranged a referral through the duty social worker, which also gave my social worker a chance to catch up with me and my family.
Where my journey started.
Sian visited me at home — we already knew each other from growing up in the same village. She helped me apply for a bus pass and supported me to claim Universal Credit, which was difficult as I had never been unemployed before. Staff at the job centre weren’t very kind, so Sian came with me to explain my situation. They arranged for me to see the same person each time, added consent for my mum to speak on my behalf, and set up video appointments every two weeks.
Finding the right job for me.
Sian then introduced me to Gwenan (job coach at Agoriad Cyf), and we met at home. I told her I wanted to work in a kitchen and that I enjoyed cleaning. Gwenan found a cleaning job advertised on the Cyngor Gwynedd website and supported me with the application and interview. I didn’t get that job, but they offered me a temporary role at Ysgol Y Groeslon. I loved it and did really well.
When that job ended, I was offered a kitchen assistant role at Dyffryn Nantlle. I started with nine hours a week and soon picked up extra cleaning hours in the same school. I now work over twenty hours a week, Monday to Friday.
How getting a job has made me feel.
I feel happy and stress‑free. Finding a job is hard, especially finding one you like.
I enjoy my new job and I feel much better. It has given me the confidence to start dating again!
How are things going now.
Great!
Gwenan still pops in from time to time. We catch up and talk about how it is going. I am working on becoming more confident and how to ask for feedback from my manager without support.
If someone is thinking about getting help to find work, I would say…
Be patient and it will work out.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, the right job is just around the corner!
I love my new job. The shifts suit me. I am now working everyday Monday to Friday. It was hard not working for 6 months but I am now back in the swing of it!