Michaela was first referred to our Community Connections South project by Cambridge City Council. Here is her story…

"I have never been in paid work. I was a single mum with four children on income support and had been benefit capped. I was struggling financially and felt really low, anxious and stressed out.

I really needed help with getting into work. I had never had a CV before so I needed help writing one.

Jo (my Employment Adviser) was great and helped me with loads of stuff. She understood that I needed a part-time, flexible job that fitted around my family and that I wanted something local that I could cycle to.

I have always liked the idea of working with the elderly. Jo did a search of local care homes in my area and helped me write my CV and apply for jobs online.
 

Jo found a care home very near to my house and helped me apply for this job. I was thrilled when I got an interview and was offered the job.

I now have a job working as a Care Assistant in a nursing home (five minutes from my home). I love the job. I feel I am doing something important and make a difference to the elderly residents I care for. This has really helped improve my confidence and self-esteem.

Jo has been so helpful. I felt supported and encouraged every step of the way. The one-to-one support was great. It helped me sort out what I need to do for myself to improve the quality of my life and my family’s. I really appreciate all the positive help Jo has given me."