Meet Alan from Westcliffe

Alan was employed as a driver for over 10 years when he and his wife started a family. Following the arrival of their child they decided that his wife would go out to work and Alan would become a house husband. Fast forward 2 years of being a stay-at-home Dad and once the twins started nursery, it was time for Alan to get back to work. Whilst job searching, Alan said he hadn’t realised how anxious it would make him feel. He didn’t know where to start looking as he’d been out of work for some time.

Alan searched the internet for a CV template and paid for one online. When it came back, he said it was rubbish and how it didn’t feel as though it was showing off his skills as well as it should do, however he did use it and sent it out to agencies and for online jobs but said he didn’t have much luck with responses. This had then affected his confidence so much that he didn’t think he could attend any interviews.

Referral to HeadsUp

Alan started to feel hopeless and thought he would never get back to work and enjoy what he used to do. He spoke to his Probation Officer, and they recommended HeadsUp. He made contact and felt much better about the advice he was given even at his first appointment. He said he wasn’t worried about joining HeadsUp as he was open to any help or advice and welcomed the service with open arms! Alan first spoke to his PSW (Peer Support Worker) and explained his issues and how he felt. His PSW made him feel calm and positive about his situation. He said everything was explained clearly so he knew he would work with different members of the HeadsUP team on different skills.

Weekly Sessions

Alan said he looked forward to his weekly sessions. After several sessions with his Development and Skills Officer (DSO) Alan said he was surprised at how much he was learning in such a short time. Alan completed his CV and was learning interview skills and said he felt so supported and much more confident and that his DSO had been amazing in guiding him through the process. Alan said

“My confidence and motivation to find a job has been boosted by their support. The whole process has encouraged me, made me feel positive and my future attainable. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even my good friend, that has been by my side, noticed my positive outlook.”

With Alans new CV and interview skills, he attended a job interview and was successful and offered a job. Alan accepted and is now in full-time employment.

Alan shared the good news about getting a job with his Probation Officer. The Probation service said they will definitely refer more people to HeadsUp services due to Alans positive story.

 Alan said, “Looking back I am proud of myself for sticking with the program. I am a much better person now. Without the organisation, I would still be a procrastinating idiot! HeadsUp has changed my life. I am now employed and happy. I would 100% recommend HeadsUp and their services. “