Life begins again at 50 for Nigel

Nigel has not worked other than in a voluntary capacity for 25 years. He had difficulty finding work because of long term mental health problems.

Bridge helped by:

• Accessing training opportunities by a work placment.
• Gearing and concentrating support to making him employable again.
• Helping him make the huge adjustment from voluntary to paid work where the demands and levels of responsibility are much greater.

Nigel now has done some work experience at WORK Ltd - a voluntary organisation based at Ringinglow. WORK Ltd provides vocational training for people with learning disabilities in a garden centre setting. Nigel has a feeling of self respect and a sense of confidence in his role and abilities. He feels respected by the staff and volunteers he works alongside and has a pride in himself derived from both the work he does in support of his co -workers and the practical skills he brings to the centre. Nigel comments " At long last I have been able to combine my love of gardening with my skills as a carer. I have also been able to express my talents as a photographer and artist through my contributions to the production of WORK Ltd calendars and publicity material.

Nigel has particularly welcomed the flexible nature of the support offered him by Bridge. He highlights particularly the different creative approaches of staff at various points in his involvement with us. For example he welcomed the relaxed, relationship building style adopted initially that built his confidence but he appreciates also the highly professional and structured means by which his work placement has been managed. Nigel also acknowledges that the high level of support he received from the other staff at WORK Ltd was essential to him succeeding in his work placement. The positive linkage between Bridge and WORK Ltd is acknowledged by Nigel - "I have been supported by Bridge and WORK Ltd to achieve my employment potential. I feel as though I am starting life again at 50!" Nigel has been offered a full time permanent job at Work Ltd.

Julie Usherwood - Tesco

Before coming to Bridge, Julie had been out of work for 4 years. She said that due to her disability it had been really difficult finding work.

Julie said "Bridge helped me with CV's, filling in application forms and when I started my job at Tesco I was supported and given 'on-the-job training'. The staff are really nice and friendly."

Julie has now been at Tesco for 2 years. She works 17 hours a week. Julie said "when I was out of work I felt really fed-up but now I'm working I feel happy. I think it's brilliant the way they handle people with disabilities. I was treated like an adult."

When asked if Julie would recommend Bridge Employment to anybody else she said "Yes, because the staff are really friendly and help people get proper jobs".

Steph, Julie's supervisor at Tesco, said "Julie is a really hard worker and is friendly with staff and customers. She gets on really well with everyone."

Alan Scaife

"I was out of work for 7 years and was nervous of looking for work alone. My Social Worker suggested Bridge Employment. Bridge helped me with application forms and supported me at interview. They found me a 1 month placement at Oakwood Cabinets which led onto a paid job as a Labourer on 25 hours per week. I now do 35 hours and I'm hoping to increase this to 40 and will be doing more production work. It's good to be back at work again, I had been bored at home. I'd like to thank Bridge Employment for their help."

Comments from employer, Chris Halliday;-

"Alan has progressed well during the past twelve months with very good support from Bridge Employment. We hope to develop Alan and his skills further during the next twelve months."

Mark Boyes

"The work placement has helped me to be more confident about work. I had done the job on the produce section before, as a trial - but the work placement has helped me as it has been for longer. I have also been paid for my work and I have been supported by Bridge and Tesco."

Mark's colleague Andrew said, "Mark is getting more and more confident with his work and his colleagues. He continues to show enthusiasm in all aspects of his job."

Kelly Housley

I really like my job at Tesco, working on the Deli counter. Bridge has supported me to do the work placement. I feel I've learnt a lot and all the staff in the store are really nice and helpful."

Kelly's line manager Carl said, "Kelly always comes to work with enthusiasm and is a valued member of the team at Tesco. Between Bridge Employment and Tesco, we are supporting Kelly on the work placement to help her gain new skills, progress and gain permanent employment."

Comments from clients and employers

"I am sure that you are respected widely with many employers for your excellent skills. Many employers have been taught by yourselves that everyone has something to offer whatever their disabilities may be."

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"We at Very PC have been very happy with bridge employment. Bridge have provided us with Jason, who has been a tremendous addition to our workforce and flourished in our environment. Bridge have supported him and us along the way, both financially and through Jason's support worker. I will definitely consider Bridge for future staff."

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"This is just a note of thanks to all at Bridge Employment who have helped me through a difficult period in my life with depression and anxiety. With their kindness, patience and diplomatic skills they have helped me get back on my feet."

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"The employment worker's commitment, flexibility and obvious people skills have ensured that both the organisation and employees have received the highest level of support in order to facilitate an effective partnership working towards a positive outcome."

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"By attending meetings with Bridge Employment and being referred to the Healthy Living Workshops. I have regained some self-confidence and self-esteem. At a time when I had been unemployed for some time, I was beginning to lack both of these qualities and was reluctant to ask prospective employers for feed-back."

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"Thank you for all your help and support when I started my new job at Somerfield. Thank you also for making sure that I was alright in my new job." Nigel.