Pictured above: Andrew Hughes
A caring North Derbyshire man with learning disabilities is
brightening up the social lives of the older community thanks to a
Euro funded project.
Andrew Hughes, 24, who has lived in Cutthorpe near Chesterfield
for most of his life, also hasn't let a knock to his confidence at
a previous job get in the way of his ambitions to work in the care
industry. After attending a Euro-funded training project, Andrew is
now working part-time at the local Ash Croft Care Home, organising
events to suit the needs of residents.
The project 'Step Up' is delivered by Ability, one of the many
voluntary and community organisations who are offering Euro-funded
youth programmes working alongside the Derbyshire Learning &
Development Consortium.
It is being funded as part of £211,180 from the European
Social Fund 2007-13 (ESF) and the Learning and Skills Council East
Midlands. It is helping young people like Andrew progress
into jobs. ESF is investing £376 million overall to boost
skills and jobs in the region.
With support from Ability staff, Andrew increased his confidence
thanks to weekly job search sessions, which included both online
and newspaper searches, CV writing and covering letters. He
also completed a work placement two days per week at a day care
centre supporting elderly service users with learning difficulties
and/or disabilities.
Andrew said, "The support I received from Ability was
fantastic. I would recommend anyone in my position to contact them.
They couldn't help me enough''.
"I've been in my new job for over a month now and it's very
varied. I feel very at home here - particular as my mum used
to work at the Home''.
Louise Crossley from Ability said, "Andrew's confidence
came on leaps and bounds when attending the job search sessions and
took part in role play for interview techniques. He soon felt
comfortable using the internet and local papers to look for job
vacancies.
"He gained hands on work experience at the day centre. After a
short period of time all staff saw an increase in his confidence as
well as him using his own initiative.
"He was soon successful at getting through to interview stage
for the role of events co-ordinator within the care home. When the
interview was drawing closer, he was nervous and his confidence
began to fade, so reassurance and support was needed - which seem
to do the trick as he was successful!"