Sharon’s Journey to Improved Health, Wellbeing, and Employment Success
Background and Initial Challenges
Sharon was first referred to CEIS Ayrshire at the end of 2018, struggling with low mood, anxiety, and persistent back pain. As part of her employability journey, CEIS Ayrshire connected her with Salus for health and wellbeing support. Irvine Job Centre also arranged for Sharon to attend an information session with Bonmarché, where she successfully secured a follow-up interview and was offered a position as a Sales Assistant. Sharon continued to receive Salus support to sustain her new role, but in March 2020, she was made redundant due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Re-engagement with CEIS Ayrshire and Health Support
In April 2021, Sharon was re-referred to CEIS Ayrshire. The loss of her job had negatively affected her mental health, and she needed renewed support. She was referred to Salus once again and attended a Zoom Confidence Workshop to help boost her self-esteem. She also participated in a Classroom Assistant Sector-Based Workshop Academy Programme (SWAP), where she completed seven accredited courses.
By June 2021, Sharon was diligently implementing the wellbeing strategies recommended by Salus, such as goal setting and adopting healthier lifestyle practices. However, she experienced another downturn in her mental health over the summer months, prompting further action.
Positive Steps with The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT)
During a face-to-face meeting with CEIS Ayrshire, it was agreed that Sharon would benefit from participating in the Positive Steps course offered by The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT). She attended several Zoom workshops, including Getting to Know You and Comfort Zones. Additionally, Sharon participated in an Anxiety Workshop facilitated by Penumbra and joined online Yoga classes to promote physical and mental wellbeing. Through TACT, she also enrolled in Cooking on a Budget classes and even went on to deliver her own Zoom Baking class, showcasing her newfound confidence.
Further Development and Accreditation
From September 2021 to March 2022, Sharon continued to receive support from CEIS Ayrshire and TACT. She completed an Administrative SWAP, earning nine more accredited qualifications, including Cyber Security and Time Management. Despite applying for several positions, she was initially unsuccessful.
Community Volunteering and Growth in Confidence
Sharon began volunteering at Eglinton Community Gardens, an experience that significantly bolstered her confidence. We assisted her in updating and refining her CV, which allowed her to feel more prepared and motivated for job applications. In April 2022, Sharon applied for a Long-Term Unemployed Skills for Life placement as an Admin Assistant with Kilwinning Sports Club. Her dedication and perseverance paid off, and she successfully secured the role.
Securing Long-Term Employment
Over her six-month placement at Kilwinning Sports Club, Sharon thrived in a supportive environment. She was grateful for the assistance she had received, acknowledging that the support from CEIS Ayrshire was instrumental in her securing the position. Her confidence continued to grow, and she began taking on additional responsibilities within the club, such as supporting various group activities and assisting with administrative tasks. Sharon also began training to handle grant applications and explored strategies to increase the club’s footfall through non-sports activities.
In October 2022, Sharon’s hard work was rewarded when she completed her initial placement and was offered a 12-month rolling contract with an average of 20 working hours per week.
Sharon’s Reflections and Future Outlook
Reflecting on her journey, Sharon expressed her immense gratitude for the support she received:
“I’ve had an amazing time here, and the staff have been so supportive and helpful over the six months I have had the pleasure of spending here. I am so grateful to you for supporting me through the months before I gained this placement. You really don’t know how much I appreciated it. I have settled in here and really feel like one of the team/family.”
Sharon shared how she has started to regain her confidence, despite the occasional moment of self-doubt. She has embraced new opportunities, including assisting with group activities and participating in various club events. Sharon is also excited about the upcoming challenges, such as training for grant applications and exploring ways to increase club engagement.
“Again, I have got to thank you for all the support and assistance. Without it, I wouldn’t have thought to apply for the position.”
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