07/11/2021

Sam came to Enham Trust after a bad experience with open employment, which resulted in him leaving his job. This severely knocked his confidence and, with the local job centre unable to help, he wasn’t sure where to go. This is where his journey with #TeamEnham began!

Through engaging with our Supported Employment team, Sam came on board in 2019 as a gardening assistant. It was clear that Sam’s confidence had taken a fall; however, with encouragement from the Gardening team and by offering more independence and responsibility in his role, this soon recovered.

Then - Covid struck. Sam experienced a re-structuring within the Gardening team and offered to move across to the Domestic team, another team within Enham Trust. Whilst unsure about the change at first, it became clear that Sam had a good eye for detail and quickly picked up the pace. Another challenge saw Sam isolating for several months due to his health condition, which took Sam out of the structured days that he had grown used to.

Through perseverance, team support, job coaching, and pushing himself out of his comfort zone, Sam's self-esteem grew, and he was able to move forward despite these setbacks. His new-found confidence and thorough work ethic did not go unnoticed; Sam regularly received many compliments from fellow colleagues and even took to showing off his creative flare by modelling unique origami shapes on toilet rolls in the Enham HQ WCs. These creations became legendary and certainly helped light a smile on the faces of staff during their trips to the loo!

Finishing touches: Sam's legendary toilet roll art in the staff WCs

As the Supported Employment programme was coming to an end, Sam worked with his Change Coach to identify aspirations, worked on job profiling, CV writing, job applications, cover letters and interview skills. Sam applied for several roles and was successful in securing an open employment position at a local hotel as a room attendant.

Sam has expressed a keen interest to work in hospitality (particularly hotels) and now feels he is on the path to achieving his longer-term ambitions of becoming a hotel porter.

Congratulations Sam and best of luck with your new adventure!

 

Check out this recent original report from ITV News Meridian, featuring Sam's story amongst others who have benefitted from the work we do:

 

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If you have a disability or long-term health condition and need support getting into work, get in touch with our Supported Employment team by emailing [email protected]. 

Your vital support could help more people like Sam into work. Donate now!

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