Joseph’s future looks bright after Empower Works support
24-year-old Joseph Davison is thriving in his new job after a successful work trial in a state-of-the-art factory.
Empower Works
Jake thrives in volunteer role
A Northumberland man says he has found his purpose again by volunteering for a charity after eight years out of work.
Jake Collingwood, who is autistic, started working at the Scope charity shop in Ashington last June, and has gone from being shy and nervous to being a popular and outgoing member of staff.
Jake, 30, of Bedlington, says: “I love everything about working here. It has got me into a routine and brings me purpose. I feel part of a team.”
The shop’s assistant manager, Joanne Robson, adds: “Jake is absolutely thriving. He’s very personable and friendly with customers and is a really well-liked member of staff because he’s so bubbly and bouncy.”
Jake had previously worked as a packer, a cleaner and at a recycling plant, but he had been out of a job since 2016. His local Jobcentre referred him to Empower Works – an employability scheme run by the North East Autism Society and Azure Charitable Enterprises.
The scheme works with unemployed and economically inactive participants to look for work, reduce their social exclusion, or develop life and vocational skills.
Jake says: “I hadn’t thought about volunteering and hadn’t understood the benefits. But my adviser suggested working at Scope and I’m so happy I did.
“I’d been spending a lot of time sitting around in the house and it was horrible. I like to be doing things, so four days a week at the shop is great and it helps with my CV.”
At first, Jake was nervous about how he would cope with new things. “I never thought I would be able to work on a till. But now I can hop on whenever needed,” he says.
“I still panic a bit about getting into trouble or saying the wrong thing, but I’m learning how to deal with things and doubt myself less. I’m building up confidence.”
As well as working on the till, Jake deals with stock and helps customers. He has even appeared on Scope’s Facebook page dancing in a unicorn head to promote the store!
He meets his Empower Works adviser Jill Young every week to continue looking for paid work, and she is delighted at his progress at Scope. Jill says:
“With the support of managers there, Jake has come on leaps and bounds. He is comfortable and confident, and good with people. He’s amazing.”
As well as getting him into volunteering, the scheme has helped him target his job search, access job sites, and apply for positions. Jake says: “For people who are stuck, like I was, I would recommend joining Empower Works. Everyone is so nice and helpful.”
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