A Hull man has overcome a raft of challenges to embark on a new chapter in his life thanks to support from Hull Jobcentre.
Mark has told how he “felt stuck” after losing both his parents, and was struggling to improve his life – until he took a Mid-Life MOT group session and coaching opportunities through the jobcentre. He had been working on zero-hour contracts in event security while claiming Universal Credit and, having been diagnosed with dyslexia, he faced challenges with written communication.
Now, he has achieved a major milestone in his career journey thanks to the help and support from Hull Jobcentre, specifically Lyza Williamson, the Work Coach-50 Plus Champion Team member for Britannia House. As a Universal Credit claimant, Mark could receive financial assistance during periods without a lot of work, with payments adjusted based on his monthly earnings.
He attended regular coaching sessions, taking up opportunities they recommended including a session with the National Careers Service to enhance his CV and the Mid-Life MOT group session, where he learned about support available for health, work, and finances, including pensions. Encouraged to root out more stable employment options he received a job offer for a permanent role, but his SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence and training had expired, and the renewal costs were beyond his means.
However, work coach Lyza helped Mark apply for the Flexible Support Fund and Low Value Procurement – funds designed to take away financial barriers to employment – which meant he could complete the training and renew his SIA licence. Now looking ahead to the future with positivity, he is urging others to take up similar opportunities.
He said: “I lost both my parents close together, and it really affected my mental health. I felt stuck and wasn’t trying to improve my situation. One of the work coaches noticed I was struggling and took the time to help me. Now, I feel optimistic about the future.
“Lyza also listened to me, sourced the training and helped me apply for funding to renew my SIA licence. She also made sure the training provider could support my dyslexia. I’ve found that even a smartphone can be a helpful tool for managing dyslexia.
“Lyza is amazing. The Jobcentre, if you use it properly, is a great asset. I’ve now secured a permanent job and will be financially better off with a steady income. Work coaches can help, but you also must also find that motivation yourself. I hope my story can help others.”
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Lyza said: “Mark has had a challenging time through bereavement. Mark has not let this deter him from committing to a work plan we formed and agreed together. Once one task was completed, we tackled another, his health and wellbeing being paramount.
“I encouraged Mark to take ownership of his career path ahead and he has done just that, and it has led to employment with a national employer. I popped in to see him at work at the weekend in passing and he looked so happy and proud in his uniform, his customer service skills are exemplary.”
Anne Brewster, 50Plus Champion for North East Yorkshire and The Humber, added: “What a fantastic outcome for Mark. He now has the security of a permanent role. Many people over 50 believe age or disability limits their chances of employment, but that’s simply not true. Employers value the soft and transferable skills that older workers bring.”