DWP referred Craig to the Conwy Employment Hub as it was felt the Hub’s team of dedicated mentors and advisors were better suited to help him with his mental health and wellbeing issues.
As a teenager, Craig committed some criminal offences that nearly 20 years later were still a barrier to him getting employment and this had a knock-on effect to his mental health and future prospects.
Having applied for some jobs, Craig always got turned down and he needed one-to-one support. Mel was appointed Craig’s Conwy Employed Hub mentor and she explained the various areas the Hub could work with him to help him gain a job. This was the turning point for Craig as he had someone who believed in him and someone who would help him find sustainable employment.
Together they worked on a plan to secure Craig work experience through volunteering with Crest Cooperative which would help strengthen his CV. By partnering with the DWP, the Hub was able to provide Craig with the travel expenses for his Crest interview, and although the interview was a success, Craig felt that he would be better putting his energy into finding paid employment instead.
Mel and Craig worked on his CV and together they started applying for jobs. In the meantime Craig attended a recycling training course run by Crest Cooperative and Conwy County Borough Council which gave him experience and qualifications which in turn led to full time employment with a local recycling company, and with a successful application for barrier funding Craig was kitted out with the necessary work gear.
Despite Craig’s past, the director of the business firmly believed that everyone deserves a second chance and Craig has turned out to be a dedicated and hard working employee who is very much part of the team.
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