Max's Story - Young People's Programme
Please note that all names have been changed.
Max was referred to us by The Prince’s Trust. He had completed courses with them to increase his employability and had started a new college course but did not feel he was receiving the necessary support to complete it. Social anxiety was also preventing him from getting the best out of his college experience.
Max was struggling to get out of bed in the mornings and was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to maintain a routine. He couldn’t see a way out of his depression and anxiety; he was unhappy with his living situation, confused about what he was entitled to financially, and was unable to see a positive future ahead of him.
Max’s Project Manager at Step Together Volunteering, Alice, started by signposting him to an Employment Advisor at The Salvation Army, that could help him ascertain what he was entitled to financially. She then helped him to access counselling through a local mental health charity, MaybeSW.
Max had discussed volunteering but what became clear to Alice was that he needed to get some direct work experience in an industry he wanted to gain employment in, as he was very motivated to become employed and start earning money. He felt he was not at all confident in applying for jobs or going to interviews due to his social anxiety.
Max wanted to try out both IT and mechanics. Alice discussed with him a new internship programme through Bristol City Council called ‘Project Pilot’. This was an opportunity to complete 3 work experience placements and get ongoing support from a Job Coach until employment was gained. He attended an interview there and was successful in gaining a place.
With a reason to get up in the mornings as well as ongoing counselling, Max found that his sleep patterns changed and he had a much more positive outlook on his future.
“I did really appreciate Step Together Volunteering, you helped very much - just talking and sort of helping me structure my week. Also having resources that I didn’t know even existed I do really thank you for what you and the Charity has done.”
Project Manager, Alice, said:
“Max has really changed his outlook on life, he is now planning for the future and getting the skills and training he needs to succeed. He is starting to see his own potential and I can see that with increased confidence and skills he will be such an asset to the workforce”.