Support in the right place – Liam’s story

Liam joined Work Routes after five years of being a full-time carer for a family member. He was struggling to find a suitable job that would work around his care commitments.

At Liam’s first appointment with Work Routes, he met his Employment Adviser, Paula, and shared his recent struggles with motivation, focusing on job applications, and concentration due to Aspergers and ADHD.

Liam said: “I didn’t feel like I had any confidence in applying for jobs, or what I even wanted to do for work, but I knew I just wanted to do something productive to earn my own money and independence.”

Paula discussed transferrable skills with Liam, identifying his previous experiences and explaining how he could assert these into practical job roles. Together they worked on a plan of action, with an end goal of finding suitable work in either retail or care.

Like Liam, many of our participants benefit from in-house courses delivered at our offices. Participants can enrol to courses that focus on CV writing, interview skills, job applications, self-confidence, and many more with sector taster days available.

Liam and Paula built a close working relationship, and he felt confident in discussing his personal situation and how this impacted his motivation to work. Paula shared: “Liam completed digital college courses in safeguarding and utilised support from our partners Working Minds, for support with wellbeing and mental health. Completing a digital course also helped to boost Liam’s online skills.

“Liam’s confidence grew significantly, becoming confident in building relationships, engaging with people, and making new connections. Using his newly written CV and cover letter, he began applying for jobs at first with my support but then building further confidence he began applying independently outside of our appointments.

“It wasn’t long before Liam was invited to interview for a role in care work, so we practiced with mock interviews to prepare him and following his interview, he was offered the job just a few days later.”

For many job seekers, funding the valid ID, or right to work documentation can become a barrier in itself. Our team can provide funding for documentation, work clothes, and travel costs to ensure finding sustainable work does not impact participants financially. Paula and the team supported Liam with the application of a DBS check, ready for him to start work.

“We wish Liam all the best in his new role in the care sector.” Said Paula.