Giving Adrian the confidence to work again
The covid pandemic and financial crisis pushed Adrian into a vulnerable state, where his business was no longer viable and his mental health was suffering. With a love for working with animals and being outside, Adrian knew he wanted a new challenge but didn’t know where to start. He tells us about his experience working with Abri’s Employment Service and how they supported him to rebuild his confidence.
“When I first met the Employment Coach I felt in a desperate state, my relationship with the Job Centre had broken down, my mental health was suffering, and I was finding financially I was being challenged. I was falling behind with rent and utilities. I lost all confidence and felt judged and insecure. I got in touch with Abri to discuss my income and rent account and they suggested asking for help from the Abri Employment Service.
“I was unsure where to start with my job search, I knew I still wanted to work with animals or outdoors but found it difficult to identify opportunities. I was worried about my financial situation and my mental health took a dive, so it was difficult to motivate myself or to focus. I felt that I was on a path to nowhere as I could not see a way out.
“My Employment Coach, Gill, helped me update my CV, identifying my skills and ability. She introduced me to Carymore Environmental Trust which I had not heard of before, even though it is local to me. She helped me navigate around social platforms such as Indeed, and taught me how to use the app and get the best out of the site my submitting a cover letter.
“I am now volunteering at Carymore Environment Trust who are an education, nature conservation centre. I’ve learnt a lot about conservation and have learnt to use a scythe which is a skill in itself. I’ve learnt things about myself, what I can and can not achieve. I’ve re-gained confidence to work as part of a team and have that feeling of worth.
“I have also gained employment with the RSPB on a part time basis as a car park attendant and this allows me to meet and greet the public. I’m a social person which hasn’t been utilised over the past few years and now I’ve re invigorated my social network.
“I have not only gained a voluntary position and paid work, I’ve gained the confidence to continue to look for the ‘right’ job which gives me the same job satisfaction I have now and a better income. And I have now got the confidence to apply for positions independently.
“The volunteering at Carymore, together with mental health therapy and my part time position with the RSPB is like a triple whammy! I feel supported and empowered. Gaining training and employment has given me the confidence to go forward, rather than dwell on what has passed. It’s empowered me to take that step forward with some direction.
The Employment Support Team at Abri are welcoming and non-judgemental. They provide guidance and information which has been proven to be a valuable resource for change and progressing forward.”
Don’t forget you can access the Abri group’s free Employment Services
We can help you with everything from writing a CV to interview preparation, and advice on how to access training or apprenticeships. Whether you’ve been out of work for a while and are looking to build up your confidence, or are thinking about a career change, our friendly team can support you in achieving your goals.
You can access the Abri group’s free Employment Services
We can help you with everything from writing a CV to interview preparation, and advice on how to access training or apprenticeships. Whether you’ve been out of work for a while and are looking to build up your confidence, or are thinking about a career change, our friendly team can support you in achieving your goals. You can contact the team via email at ESDepartment@abri.co.uk, visit our Employment support webpage or come and see us at our Opportunities Hub on Wednesdays between 12-2pm at Priestwood Community Centre, Priestwood Court Road, Bracknell, RG42 1TU.