Inspiring Families
To protect the privacy of our customers we use alias names in success stories.
Rob was referred from Hackney Jobcentre Plus by his job coach. He was last working in 2016 in a temporary role as a gardener and since then had been trying to get into the IT industry but without success, so he was interested in joining the programme for extra help in his job search.
In reviewing his situation and action planning with his Inspiring Families adviser, Rob identified that his criminal record may be a barrier to his getting work in certain fields and may have been impacting on his job applications.
Rob is also currently in temporary accommodation, waiting to return to his flat after refurbishment and his higher rent is a concern to him. He has a son that doesn’t live with him but shares some caring responsibilities. In reviewing his job options, Rob said he would consider driving and gardening jobs as his current priority was to return to paid employment as soon as possible.
Through an existing Groundwork employer link, the Inspiring Families adviser was able to get an introduction to a facilities contract manager and did a quick revision on Rob’s CV to highlight his gardening experience.
Rob was invited to an interview later that week and subsequently offered a job starting two days later. Assessing preparation to start work with such a quick turnaround, Rob’s Inspiring Families adviser identified that he would need steel toe caps and support with his travel to work while waiting to get paid.
Groundwork was able to purchase the boots and upload sufficient funds to his Oyster card to cover the first week. Rob is pleased to return to work and hopes to be given the opportunity to grow within the business. Having completed his first week, Rob was supported with a further week travel to help him make it through to his first pay.
Serco delivers the Inspiring Families programme in Haringey, Hackney, Enfield, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Greenwich, Barking & Dagenham and Havering.
Individuals living in North and East London can contact us for more details and to find out if they are eligible for support through the Inspiring Families programme.
