“Returning to work has been so good for my own mental health”
A customer at
Cambridge Community Arts admitted the support he received from their Adviser made a lot of difference.
They said: “When I’ve been on my own, I get down. They’ve helped by suggesting local activities and groups I could join.
“I went out straight away and made contact with the groups. I joined my local U3A and started at a rock ‘n’ roll music group.
“Cambridge Community Arts has been really good and helped my motivation.”
Taking steps to work was a key goal for one customer supported by
Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum.
The customer admitted that local volunteering opportunities helped gain confidence while also improving their English – providing “valuable” experience as they seek training and employment opportunities.
“I feel everything is now falling into place for me.”
A customer of
Switch Now has been reflecting on the support they have received, which ultimately led to them securing employment.
The said: “The project has made me happier as I feel closer to achieving my goals. I feel more confident in new situations and it has helped with my routine and improving my timekeeping.
“If I hadn’t of taken part in the project, I would not have achieved a qualification or be working in a kitchen. I feel more determined to keep going and moving forward.”
Depression, stress, anxiety and a feeling of isolation were the overriding issues for one person before they signed up to training provided by
Papworth Trust.
They quickly completed two IT courses which gave them the confidence to start applying for jobs.
Now working part-time at their local cinema, the customer said: “I don’t feel as anxious and isolated as I did before I started on the Papworth Trust programme.
“I now have a bigger social circle because I am working with people that I feel have similar likes and personality as me.
“I feel I have accomplished a lot while on the programme and I feel I have skills that will set me up for the future.”
A single mum with three children had no family or friends around her when she moved to a new area and got involved with
CHS.
She admitted she had understandable anxiety about her situation and her ability to pay rent and other bills.
She said: “When I first met the CHS Employment Adviser, I was feeling very depressed. I had lost confidence and felt very anxious about returning to work or attending courses – or doing anything with groups people. Often, I did not feel like leaving the house.”
Encouraged to enrol on English and maths classes at her local college, the customer was given support with writing her CV and looking at employment opportunities.
The end result was securing a part-time job as a Support Worker in a local residential project for adults with learning disabilities.
The customer said: “I really enjoy helping and supporting the residents with living independently as well as building relationships and supporting them with activities and visits to their local community.
“Returning to work has been so good for my own mental health and wellbeing. By helping others, I am helping myself by doing rewarding and important work.”
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If you would like any more information or support, please get in touch with the Community Connections South team via
Jason.gosling@papworthtrust.org.uk.
Community Connections South is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
