Ian gets there in the end . . .
Published 17/07/2008
Good News Story – Ian Reid
Ian had approached Newcastle Futures by dropping into one of the community outreach venues across the city, as he needed support and assistance to move forward. Elsa, one of Newcastle Futures caseload consultant who covers the East End of Newcastle, met with Ian to learn more about his situation and his needs. Newcastle Futures have 15 Caseload Consultants covering numerous outreach venues across the City, offering local support for the residents of Newcastle.
Ian told Elsa that he had been working at Tyneside Cyrenians under a short-term contract for three months, but this contract had ended. Elsa also learnt that Ian was finding it very tough, which had left Ian with very low confidence and self-belief. Elsa also met with Paula his caseworker, and between the three of them they worked hard to compile an Action Plan together; this is a productive way of focusing on the key aspects that need to be looked at and learning to deal with these first and foremost. Ian’s Action Plan was key to moving forward as it included upskilling, retraining and also finding suitable housing, all major challenges to be addressed.
Ian was very keen to train as a LGV Driver. He had worked as a driver in the past and was aware of the numerous opportunities available if you had your LGV Licence. Elsa worked with various support, one of which was Carl at Discovery Museum as to pass his LGV licence, he needed to take a theory test on DVD and CD. As Ian didn’t have these facilities, he really felt that this was a major barrier. Carl worked very hard to put together a package on the museums computers for him to use, which Ian was extremely grateful for.
Ian continued to work hard on the mock exams and had been achieving 80% pass rates, which was excellent. This certainly lifted his spirits and made him feel as though his life was moving in a positive direction. With the help of Neighbourhood Renewal Funded Grants, Elsa was able to support the costs of the LGV test with Tyne and Wear LGV, together with funding for medical, assessment and theory tests. All major barriers that would have stopped Ian moving forward.
Unfortunately, Ian failed his first test, which left him very deflated. The work he had put into passing, and the feeling of “letting everyone down” left him very negative. However, Elsa worked closely with Paul, and alternative funding through TSP to fund an additional training day and test day was found. However, Ian also failed this test.
Everyone knows that Ian is able to drive, and his test instructors provided feedback on each test to say he was a good driver, but didn’t make the scoring to pass, and with further practise he would make it through. Unfortunately further practise means further costs, money that Ian didn’t have.
In the meantime Ian registered with numerous agencies, looking for driving work, in the hope that he would gain employment and be able to save to put himself through the next test. Elsa worked on specific 1-2-1 Jobsearch, and provided continued support to him.
Some good news came from some inheritance he came into, which allowed Ian to move into his own place, which made a huge difference to him. Then the cherry on top of the cake came on June 6th when he passed his test, Ian got there in the end by working hard and not giving up.
This story has only started, the partners all continue to support Ian, and Elsa continues to meet him for progress updates and Jobsearch sessions. With people supporting him, and Ian having focus for his future, things will continue to progress.
Newcastle Futures – a different approach to finding a job.