A Wise Steps participant battling with severe depression has secured a dream job after a decade of unemployment thanks to the holistic employability programme.
54 year old Edward Duffy from Newcastle Upon-Tyne has overcome multiple barriers to secure a job as a Healthcare Officer, thanks to help received from the Wise Steps programme.
Funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery, through the Big Lottery Fund and led by The Wise Group, Wise Steps provides one to one tailored support to help people take positive steps towards work.
Edward said: “Before joining the project I was severely depressed and didn’t feel able to go back to work. Apart from taking care of my children, I had no ambition or any idea of what to do because it all seemed so hard to reach.”
Edward was offered one to one tailored support with his Wise Steps coach Paulina. Together they discussed future goals and put together an action plan outlining how to achieve them.
Paulina, Wise Steps coach from Newcastle Futures said: “Prior to starting his job Edward was offered support with his work clothes and his monthly bus ticket, so he could travel to work before receiving his first payslip.”
“I am so proud of Edward. Not only has the Wise Steps programme helped Edward find suitable employment, but has given him a positive outlook on life and helped him take steps towards a better future.
Edward met with Paulina every two weeks, each time becoming more and more confident about looking for jobs online.
Edward, continued: “I built up my confidence and self-esteem and was able to start looking for jobs. I knew that the best options for me were public sector jobs that would understand my limitations and health issues.
“I received support from Paulina who helped me fill in online application forms through North East jobs. We worked on my personal statement, and CV along with being shown how to use computers and how to match my previous work experience to what is required in job descriptions.
“I have applied for a few jobs and since had an interview for a Healthcare Officer at Welford Centre, which I have been successful and I am now working full-time.
“I have a job that I absolutely love, and I feel much more confident and optimistic about the future.If I did not get the support from Wise Steps, I would still be unemployed and depressed.”
To find out more about the Wise Steps programme, please click here.
