Long term depression to finding employment and workplace connection!

Colin had been unemployed for many years having suffered from depression and anxiety since early childhood.  He had been looking for work with the Jobcentre Plus when his advisor suggested he get in touch with Twining Enterprise; this is when he met Peter, his Employment Specialist, and Aniksha, Twining’s Employer Engagement Manager, and his life turned around!  Colin now has a job with one of Twining’s employer partners and feels more positive in himself.  We asked Colin to tell us about his experience of working with Twining Enterprise…

Colin had been out of work for 11 years suffering from depression and anxiety, as well as anger management issues and a disturbed sleep routine.  At the age of 51, Colin had been depressed since he was just 10 years of age.

At one time Colin needed to take 24 tablets a day – to help himself physically and mentally and help stay on track.  As well as medication for his mental health challenges, Colin also found being in contact with people really helpful to combat his feelings of loneliness and depression.  Additionally, four years of psychiatric care and counselling support helped Colin to become aware of the root of his problems, which helped him to understand why he felt the way he did.

Colin explained “I had been working with a Jobcentre advisor to find employment when they recommended I contact Twining Enterprise – they said Twining helped people with mental health conditions get back into work, and I really wanted to earn more money to do up my flat.  Contacting Twining is how I met my Employment Specialist, Peter.  It was good with Peter – he called me up with job vacancies – at hospitals and retail outlets – which was good for me with my retail experience.” 

Colin continued, “Peter and I downloaded the Microsoft Teams app and although I hadn’t used Teams before, Peter helped me to download it and showed me how to use it through clear instructions so we could communicate remotely.  Downloading Teams enabled us to speak to each other, and Peter began to recommend jobs to me.”

Colin went on to explain how Peter helped him to find a potential job opportunity and even sent Colin’s CV to the employer.  Colin was then offered a job interview straightaway!  Peter went on to support Colin to prepare for the interview, helping him to think about what the employer might want to know.

Colin further explained, “I interviewed for the job and started work with them last Sunday!  It’s early days but it’s good so far.  I’m happy in myself because I’m not sitting here twiddling my thumbs.  I’m within my working hours so I also still get all my benefits, and then as I get used to working again, I’ll become more comfortable and go full time.”

Colin continued, “Being back at work and having people around has been great – I have colleagues at work and I’ve met one of the managers at work and he’s great.  He reassured me if I can’t get the work done then someone else will be there to help me with it.”

Twining Enterprise Employment Specialist, Peter, said, “Colin was one of the fastest turnarounds I’ve ever had – Colin got the first job he applied for!  I’m so proud of what he achieved with us!”

Colin went on to talk about how he is feeling now he is back in work again, “I feel more positive in myself now, with Peters help to job search, and the help of Aniksha (Twining Employer Engagement Manager) with the retail employer.  With their joint help, getting that job has improved my positivity, and the money is not bad either!  One of the biggest positives is that this year I can buy my five grandchildren Christmas presents.  If I can contribute to savings for them every year it just gives them something to start life with.

Last night I spoke with my son on the way home from work – he was coming home from work too and so was I – and we just thought “lets talk” – and we had a different conversation – a conversation about being in work!

I have had a really positive experience with Twining Enterprise, Peter and Aniksha – thank you for helping me to change my life!”

 

Please note - This charitable project is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

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