Following five years of being on Job Seekers Allowance, Kieran* had been receiving Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) benefits since 2018. His work experience has been limited to voluntary positions at PC World and Poundland, each lasting only a week.
Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to speak with Kieran as part of a work-related activity group re-engagement initiative. During this time, he expressed his desire to work in an environment where he wouldn’t have to constantly interact with people due to his anxiety and depression. Despite never having held a job before, Kieran was eager to explore employment opportunities and was enthusiastic about perusing a range of job options.
We offered him several opportunities, one of which was referring him to our Work & Health programme team. At our next meeting, Kieran had taken the time to read the brochure and visit our website, which made him enthusiastic about being referred to the Programme. There he began working with Demi, one of our Support Managers, and together they considered care work as a potential path. Following this, Kieran enrolled in the Embark Learning program and successfully completed the course. Recently, he completed his first shift as a support worker at Fairway, totalling seven hours.
When we spoke with Kieran recently, he was overjoyed with his experience and eagerly anticipated his next shift. Demi is currently in contact with Fairway to secure him a full-time contract and will continue to provide him with any support he needs. She even mentioned that Fairway holds Kieran in high regard!
During his time on our Work & Health Programme, Kieran also mentioned that the majority of his family have always relied on benefits. Out of all of them, only his younger brother has ever worked a few shifts for a local football team. He sincerely hopes to set a new trend for his family and become a prime example of how determination and hard work can finally pay off.
For more information on our Work & Health Programme, please visit: www.stepstowork.co.uk/work-and-health-programme-services
*The name of this individual has been changed to safeguard their anonymity.
