Southern Brooks Success

One of West of England Works Thematic Anchor Partners, Southern Brooks have helped a local resident obtain paid employment.

The West of England Works project is a partnership which aims to help unemployed and economically inactive people in the region find employment. Led by Weston College, the partnership includes a range of voluntary and community organisations across the West. The project has received £6 million of funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund and is part of the Building Better Opportunities programme.

JL was experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression which wasn’t helped by her 12 months of unemployment. In February 2017, JL began her journey with Southern Brooks, where she wanted to focus on developing her skills in order to achieve employment.

JL started by attending weekly job clubs, which allowed her to receive one to one support in areas such as updating her CV, learning how to apply for jobs online and also help with preparing for interviews.

As well as receiving help towards gaining employment, JL also received emotional support during tough periods.

Over the course of the programme JL progressed impressively, increasing her employability, and improving her self-confidence as well as her self-esteem and she now rarely experiences high anxiety.

JL completed an 8 week Ready 4 Work placement programme with Mitie and this helped her increase her confidence and also prepare her for employment.

Following the support from Southern Brooks JL has successfully managed to obtain employment with a local bakery, and she is still working towards her dream role of being an administrator.

Matt Hempstock, West of England Works Project Co-ordinator, explains that: “JL has done fantastically well to overcome some tough barriers, she is well on route to achieving her dreams and it is exciting to see that she has found employment.”

If you would like assistance from Southern Brooks you can contact them on 01454 868572, or email the Digital Communications and Administration Officer Philip at philipmays@southernbrooks.org.uk.