A caring role for a wonderful lady . . .
Published 17/07/2008
Good News Story – Andrea Lord
Jobcentre Plus, City office referred Andrea to Newcastle Futures. Andrea was very keen to find a job, Sue, one of Newcastle Futures caseload consultants who cover the West End of Newcastle met with Andrea to learn more about her situation and her needs. Newcastle Futures have 15 Caseload Consultants covering numerous outreach venues across the City, offering local support for the residents of Newcastle.
Andrea explained to Sue that she had worked in kitchens since 1996, and had gained her Food & Hygiene Certification. Her previous work was based at a Care Home, within the kitchen, as Assistant Cook, and was asked to ‘step up’ to Head Cook when the position came free. Andrea said that she was more comfortable working behind the scenes, and due to her 7 year old was unable to work nights.
Sue worked with Andrea to put together a CV, which would support her with her Jobsearch, and also needed 1-2-1 support with her Jobsearch, which Sue was more than happy to supply. Sue worked proactively by approaching Care Homes she had already worked and placed previous customer with to see if there were any suitable vacancies. A couple were keen to meet with Andrea and Sue granted support through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, with funding towards interview clothes for Andrea. After the interviews Andrea sent a text to Sue, which said “I had an interview today, it went really well as for the fist time I felt really smart. I got some lovely trousers and shoes from Evans. Thanks for all of your help”.
It wasn’t long before Andrea found out that she had gained the job at Care UK, Sue worked loosely with the employer and the Andrea to find a suitable start date so that Andrea wouldn’t miss out on entitlement to housing benefit. Sue continued to support her with various enquiries, such as housing related and making sure she was better off going back to work, which all confirmed to Andrea that she was doing the right thing.
Andrea was thrilled to be successful with this position and this really lifted her mood and spirits. Like many people it was very hard to think of the transition of benefits to wage, however Sue at Newcastle Futures, also informed Andrea that she was entitled to a grant that was available to support people bringing up children alone back into work. All of which was added support and reassurance for Andrea to make the final leap.
Andrea continues to work hard, and has fitted in well with her new work mates. She will never forget the support and guidance Sue at Newcastle Futures was, and continues to be.
As we know, finding a job isn’t necessarily the end of the story; it can be just the beginning. Sue will continue working with Andrea and support her in the workplace, to address any issues she may have along her journey – another excellent resource that Newcastle Futures offers.
Newcastle Futures – a different approach to finding a job.