“Following a referral to Cyfle Cymru I met with both my Peer Mentor George James, and the employment adviser Ursula Howells. Both of whom offered help and support in my journey finding employment.
Weekly meetings and help with job searches and applications led to me being offered a place on the work-related course. Whilst at one of the course sessions I was asked by George if I could attend a mock interview at Champions’ House with a local employer. This was to help with my confidence when talking to people and answering questions which were often asked at interview. Ursula had helped me with my interview skills prior to this but meeting at Champions’ House meant I would be somewhere that I felt comfortable and knew people.
I met with George first on the day of the mock interview and he helped to keep me calm as I was very nervous and unsure of what I would be asked. I was introduced to Lee from Paul Bristow Associates, who was very patient with me during my mock interview. At the end of the meeting I was asked if I would like a further mock interview, but this time at their place of work and with a different member of staff.
One the day of the second mock interview, George provided me with a bus ticket to enable me to get to the workplace, and Ursula printed out details of where I was going and the bus route. I had to be at the workplace by 9am. The mock interview went okay but I was still very nervous and anxious. Following on from this Lee asked if I would stay for the rest of the day and do a work trial, to which I agreed.
I was contacted by George who had been to meet with Lee, and he advised me that Lee wanted me to start a 12-week paid probation period with Paul Bristow Associates. This was an opportunity that nobody else had given me and a chance to start believing in myself. Both George and Ursula had known that the mock interview was in fact an official interview with the company as a vacancy had arisen which needed filling.
I am so pleased that they believed in me. George helped with my health and well-being, and I had support from my first day in April onwards into my new employment. Now five months later I am a more confident person, a member of a good team of people that I work with and so thankful for the help and support from George and Ursula.”
Think you could benefit from Cyfle Cymru support?
We can support you towards and into work if you:
- are aged 16 to 24 and not in employment, education or training
- are aged 25 or over and long-term unemployed or economically inactive
- live in the Dyfed, Gwent, North Wales, Powys or Western Bay
- are in recovery from substance misuse and/or mental health issues
See here for more information or to make a referral.
Cyfle Cymru is delivered by members of the DACW Consortium.
Cyfle Cymru is part of the Welsh Government’s Out of Work Service, supported by the European Social Fund.
