Many of the people we support want to work but need help to tackle some of the barriers they face. In the second of our blog series on empowering people to find work, we talk to Ian and Carlos, both supported by Shaftesbury Aberystwyth, about what working means to them.
Enabling – Ian’s story
Ian has been supported by Shaftesbury for 40 years and getting work has enabled him to grow in confidence, sociability and happiness. As Shaftesbury service delivery lead Chika Chikwu says, ‘making friends at work has added value to his life and wellbeing.’
Why did you want to get a job?
Ian: Because I love working and I am strong. Get money to spend to go on holiday to visit my friends.
How did Shaftesbury staff help you to begin to look for employment?
A friend to the company [I now work for] recommended me because I helped many of my friends in the community doing their gardens. So my friend thought it would be nice for me to earn some money doing what I love.
How did Shaftesbury staff help you apply and get the job? And where do you work?
Staff supported me to apply for the job online and to attend the interview. Staff provided the documents required and I was lucky to get a paid job. I now work at Rachel’s Dairy, Aberystwyth, two days a week. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
How did getting a job make you feel?
Happy!
What three things do you love most about your job?
Seeing my friends, keeping busy and working with other people.
Is life better now you have a job?
Yes – I like working.
Employment – Carlos’ story
Carlos also arrived at Shaftesbury 40 years ago with no formal education, deaf and virtually unable to communicate. Carlos’ most pressing need was communication skills, so staff supported him to learn sign-language, along with other skills. Today, enabled by the Shaftesbury staff team, Carlos is employed and confident, with two part-time jobs. Working has given Carlos a real sense of purpose and greater independence. He signed what his job means to him.
Why did you want to get a job?
Because I want to get busy, it is good for me and I need money to spend going on holiday to visit my friends and to buy good things for myself.
Where do you work?
I have paid jobs – I work at McDonalds in Aberystwyth and Anthony Motors.
Did you need support with anything when you started your job?
Staff supported me using the bus to work for few times until I got confident to use the bus independently. Staff showed and explained bus timetable to me. Best time to catch the bus and bus number that would normally take me there and back. I sometimes use a taxi.
How did getting a job make you feel?
Good and happy.
What three things do you love most about your job?
Seeing my friends, meeting new people and feeling accepted in the community.
Is life better when you’re working?
Yes- I am able to spend my money happily.