About me.
My name is Thomas and I work as an administration assistant for an accountant. I enjoy watching formula 1 on TV, I am also a Manchester United and Wrexham Football Club supporter and enjoy watching the games. I like the cinema and going out with friends for meals and drinks. I enjoy being independent and having a full interesting life.
Before the supported employment service, I…
I had done volunteering and had a paid job before meeting with Mark (job coach at HFT). I enjoyed working and liked having my own income, so I knew I wanted another paid job. I found I was looking for work and applying for quite a few jobs, but was having trouble getting an interview, it was quite demoralising and led to low mood.
I live with my parents, but I like to be quite independent, when they go on holiday I stay at home and look after the family dog.
Where my journey started.
I had worked previously, so knew I wanted a paid position again, I was job searching and applying for jobs but was finding it difficult to get an interview, I was working with another agency but I wasn’t happy, I then met with Sarah (EPC) and she introduced me to Mark (job coach) from HFT. The previous job I had was in a kitchen, but it was a zero-hour contract, and the hours were not always guaranteed, I wanted more stability and to work the same days each week as not having weekly hours was causing me to experience stress and anxiety.
The support I received.
Mark was my job coach and when he left, he introduced me to Barry. Barry helped me find the work trial and also helped me with online courses I needed to complete such as money laundering. They have all been open and friendly and I feel I can contact them if I have a question or need support. My job coach still meets up with me and Jason (employer) every week, but I also ring or text most weeks.
Finding the right job for me.
I had previously worked in a kitchen but wanted to try an office job. Barry helped me find a work trial with Jason; he is an accountant. I have number blindness so was unsure if this would be a barrier. After completing my work trial, Jason offered me a permanent position. I work two days a week and really enjoy it.
How getting a job has made me feel.
I enjoy being independent, and my job helps me with this. I have my own money and feel proud of what I have done. I was a little bit anxious that my number blindness would stop me getting an office job, but I have strategies in place to help me do my work and be successful.
It was the right move going into an office job for me, I enjoy my time at work, I have a supportive employer who is willing to work with me, and I feel happy.
How things are going now.
My job coach comes into the office once a week to see how things are going, and always ask me and Jason how we are, and if there is any help we need. If I have a question or need help with anything, then I ring or text and we can speak or meet up outside of work. At the moment my job coach is helping me to get my bus pass, it has been declined, but we are getting the evidence together to challenge this decision.
Originally, we were working from Jason’s house, but now he has an office in a building, the move made me feel a little anxious at first, but it is much better now. It is easier for me to travel to the new office, and I have my own desk and workspace.
If someone is thinking about getting help to find work, I would say…
I would say do it; they will help you every step of your journey. It can be overwhelming to job search on your own and they can give you support and help you try new things, I am glad my job coach supported me to look at office jobs as it was the best move I could make and I am very happy in my job.