Service user supported into a job with NHS.
Employment preparation team support beneficiary into a job.
Service user gains a job after 4 years of unemployment.
“I could have been in employment sooner
if I received the type of support BDRC provided
much earlier”.
Vinu Chauhan registered on the South Birmingham Project in May 2007. He had been unemployed for over 4 years, and did not know where to go to gain support to get back into employment. He had a negative experience of working with service providers after visiting several organisations. “I went around in circles, from one organisation to another, none of them understood my needs nor my disability” explained Vinu. Naturally therefore he did not have high expectations from Birmingham Disability Resource Centre (BDRC) either, when he came into contact with one of our Advisors. However the level of support he received at BDRC was different. “Advisors at BDRC understood the type of support I required, made me feel welcome, and had a good understanding of how to support people with mental health issues” Vinu commented.
Vinu was invited for an initial assessment at BDRC. After a brief discussion it was recognised that he had key transferable skills, which could act as a foundation to access alternative career options. He had gained these skills from running a business selling auto parts for 22 years, and had previously worked as a Production Manager. His business was fairly successful; however he was forced to sell after his health deteriorated. His confidence was at all time low and required support in acquiring new skills and getting back into employment.
The Advisor conducted a skills assessment to help Vinu to identify his key skills and to explore alternative career options. This exercise helped him to raise his career aspirations. Gradually through regular support Vinu grew in confidence and agreed to enrol on an IT course at BDRC to update his skills.
Vinu made excellent progress on the IT course, and started a voluntary placement in administration at BDRC. The voluntary placement was instrumental in helping him regain his confidence and belief in his ability. Soon after with the help of Advisors in the job club, Vinu was actively looking for job opportunities. He received regular one-to-one support in job matching; completing application forms, and interview techniques.
In January 2008, Vinu gained employment with the NHS working as an Administration Officer. Vinu recommends BDRC employment preparation services to all disabled people interested in employment, training or voluntary work and stated “I could have been in employment sooner if I received the type of support BDRC provided much earlier”.