Toby, participant in the Get Ahead programme, shares his story and experience of working with Employment Coach Aimee.
I felt a bit lost and didn’t know where my life was going in sobriety. I felt like I needed some options of things to do. I needed help with direction and options of jobs or extra training.
I wasn’t sure about my life or where it was going. I felt like I needed a bit more of a purpose and my mental health was a bit low. I felt like I was stuck in the middle of crossroads and didn’t know which way to turn.
I heard about Changing Lives as a friend of mine had worked with Aimee and said she had really helped him so I contacted her. I was worried about being pushed into things as often employment services can do that. I hoped Aimee would put me in the right direction.
Aimee was very friendly and I felt at ease talking to her. I could tell she wasn’t going to corner me or force me into a situation I wasn’t comfortable with. We met in Costa which was an agreed location that I was happy with.
We discussed what type of person I am and what I might like to do in the future. She helped me look at options for education and part time work. She understood what I needed and helped me look for what was right. She gave me the confidence to look for work and believe in myself more.
I felt like I was moving on and finding things I wanted to do but also that I was capable of doing.
Working with the Get Ahead team has filled a few empty spaces. It’s given me more confidence in myself. I know feel self worth as I am helping others which I really enjoy. It’s small steps for me but I’m definitely getting there.
I would definitely recommend Changing Lives. I have used other services within the organisation and I would recommend both the recovery services and employment services. Changing Lives is well named as my life has changed for the better.
Changing Lives stick by you through your full journey, ups, downs and everything in between. They don’t leave you until they are sure you are ready and make you aware the door is always open.
Now, the future is bright. I am open to more options in the caring sector which is what I like to do. I didn’t think this would ever be a possibility. Now I can see a future and know which direction I am heading in. I’m no longer in a black hole.
I am looking forward to extending my role. I am hoping to start a Health & Social Care course and I’m looking forward to working with more people. Possibly even going into the recovery sector. I want to give back the support that I received.
I am extremely grateful to Aimee and Changing Lives, getting me back in the right direction and heading forward.
Could you or someone you know benefit from support into employment and with work-related opportunities? Find out more about the Get Ahead programme...
