Inspiring Families
To protect the privacy of our customers we use alias names in success stories.
Steph is a single mum with three daughters and had been getting support from Services due to her children refusing to attend school.
Despite the pressures at home she decided to try and get back into work and she joined the Inspiring Families programme for support. Inspiring Families is an initiative designed to help individuals facing multiple and complex family issues to get back into work. It is funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund. Groundwork is part of Serco’s network of expert organisations chosen to deliver the programme on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Since joining Inspiring Families in September, Steph attended every appointment on time. Steph last worked more than 20 years ago and after constructing a new CV with her adviser they started looking for retail roles. Her adviser had found a part-time role with a retail chain who were opening a new store, minutes away from Steph’s home. After help with her application, Steph received a call asking her to attend an interview the next day. Steph was over the moon; she was offered interview preparation but Steph was confdent to just go for it. When they spoke after the interview, she told her adviser “It was fine; I didn’t feel nervous at all.”
Steph was very excited to have been be offered the job the next day. Her adviser spoke with the employer and he thanked her for encouraging Steph to apply, and stated: “She is my best worker, thank you very much for her.”
Steph started her training & despite ongoing challenges with her children, she is determined not to quit something that she is thoroughly enjoying.
Steph’s adviser said: “I have only known Steph for the past two months and from the frst day I met with her I knew she was employable, she just required that extra bit of support and someone to tell her she is more than capable.
“Steph has such an outgoing and approachable attitude anyone in retail would beneft from her as an employee. At frst I thought that she wouldn’t take the job given her family circumstances, however she proved me wrong and has stuck with it. I am so happy for her and she knows that I’m a phone call away should she need me. This is what makes my job satisfying; when a customer is happy and has found something that they love and enjoy doing.”
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.
