Samantha registered on the New Deal
for Disabled People (NDDP) programme in August 2008. Sam was
only 23 and had already suffered a very traumatic life losing her
twin babies after a teenage pregnancy. She had never worked
and had no qualifications and found herself in a deep depression,
which left her feeling low in confidence and self-esteem. Sam was
struggling financially and personally and needed some
direction.
After many sessions building confidence and
rapport, Sam’s NDDP Adviser discovered that Sam had been taking her
dog to a residential home for elderly people as the residents
enjoyed and benefited from stroking and petting her dog.
Known as ‘pet therapy’ it is a great way of stimulating elderly and
frail residents, and those suffering from dementia.
Sam spoke about her visits and the positive
affect it was having on her as well as the residents in the care
home, and with her Adviser’s support realised that the positions of
Care Assistant or Support Worker would be good job goals.
Sam’s Adviser helped her create a CV and
covering letter and advised her on the standards required for
securing work in the healthcare sector. Sam was definitely
feeling a lot more positive about her chances of gaining
employment, and after some job search, a vacancy was found in a
local residential home for young people with learning
disabilities.
Sam’s application was successful and she was
offered an interview. Her Adviser discussed the interview
with Sam, going over the techniques, explaining about the ID
required and the process of Criminal Records Bureau
(CRB) checks. Sam was confident and her positive
demeanour throughout the interview, and subsequently second
interview impressed the employer so much that she was offered a
position with the home.
Not only has she secured a new job after many
years of being unemployed, her new employer is keen to support her
in training for an NVQ qualification in care.
Sam enjoyed her first day so much that she
could not wait to go back the following day. Sam has made new
friends at work and is now much happier and confident, thanking her
Adviser and her dog for helping her get her life back on track!
Sam took part in the New Deal for
Disabled People programme at Seetec, if you would like to find
out more information, please click here.