Transformative and empowering experience - Stewart's Story

The Working Well: Support to Succeed programme in Greater Manchester is designed to help reduce inequality and social isolation in various neighbourhoods across the region.

The programme aims to help those who are economically inactive by providing free wellbeing, confidence and skills support, as well as providing access to opportunities to help them become more active residents, with the confidence and aspirations to achieve their goals.

It is a completely voluntary programme of support, with a specific focus on participants aged over 50, who may be experiencing age-related challenges and concerns about returning to work.

One participant who recently received our support as part of the programme is Stewart.

Stewart's story

Stewart arrived on the Support to Succeed as someone who was economically inactive and struggling to access employment. He was also homeless, and was regularly sleeping in shelters and navigating the streets.

His Key Support Advisor, Karen, helped Stewart in many ways while he was on the programme and tells the story of how we supported him below, which includes purchasing him a phone, SIM card and a bicycle:

We helped Stewart from being homeless on the streets, to getting a bed in a converted church, which meant he was able to take showers and get a change of clothing, and introduced him to The Brick Charity that he attends.

Stewart had no means of communication, so we purchased him a phone and a SIM card, which has helped break down barriers for him communicating with his support network.

We have also purchased Stewart a bike, which has allowed him to get to and from appointments and to see his family again. This is such a big achievement for him from where he has come from and where he is now.

He is now living in a shared house and with our support to build his confidence and motivation so he can see his children once a week.

I am so proud to be Stewart’s keyworker and see the progress he has made.

Stewart is now looking to do a CSCS construction course with us in the next few weeks, that will eventually get him back into work.

Karen finished her feedback about Stewart’s story by talking about the personal journey he’s been on, and how his progression can inspire others who may be in a similar situation in their life.

The outcome of Stewart's time being homeless was both transformative and empowering. While the experience was undeniably painful, it ultimately shaped him into a person who found strength in adversity.

Through the struggles he faced - sleeping in shelters, navigating the streets, and dealing with the stigma of homelessness - Stewart has gained a profound sense of empathy and resilience. His hardships also sparked a desire to help others who were in similar situations.

Stewart’s journey from homelessness shows that even in the darkest moments, it's possible to find purpose and meaning.

Congratulations again Stewart, and the very best of luck in your upcoming training!

Looking to get back into work?

If you’re currently unemployed, over the age of 19 and looking to get back into work, our range of training courses could offer you a pathway to a new career. Our employment support programmes are also available in multiple areas throughout the UK.

Please contact us here and a member of our team will get in touch to talk through the options available to you.

Back2Work Complete Training provide Pre-Employment Training throughout the UK.

Pre-Employment Training works great as both a recruitment service for employers and an employment service for those who are unemployed.

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