David Stoker, 53 who lives in Billingham, Stockton- on- Tees has always had a passion to improve the environment and to instil a sense of pride to our streets and our community
His ultimate goal is to secure employment in this sector.
When David found himself redundant he felt completely lost and feeling that he no longer had a purpose, he became depressed. Despite completing job search each day, the months of unemployment turned to years and David felt terribly despondent and alone.
He didn’t know where to turn until he talked to his adviser Heather Whitfield at Billingham Job Centre. Heather introduced David to the Five Lamps where he was referred to the Family Wise Project, which is funded by the European Social Fund.
David was referred to Five Lamps’ Family Coach Jane Simpson to create an action plan tailored around his strengths, aspirations and the challenges he faced. Jane Identified David’s strong desire to utilise his skills to work in the community and his passion for placing a pride in our streets and towns by keeping it free from waste, hazards and litter.
Jane provided intensive support to improve David’s wellbeing and self-esteem, as well as assisting him with a CV writing service which included one to one support on cover letters, coaching on applications and interview techniques and information on voluntary placements and voluntary recruitment organisations.
Jane supported David with voluntary placement applications and also referred David to the Family Wise Job Club where he received additional support from Robert Finley, Volunteer Job Club Support Worker to register on Universal Job search, navigation round this site and support to complete job search history.
David reinforced his aspirations to progress to work and that he would happily volunteer and said:
“I want to feel useful, work hard and lead a good life, that’s not a lot to ask for”
David anxiously waited for a response from the voluntary groups and then a call came from Stockton Borough Council, inviting David to an interview with Barry Lancaster as a volunteer with Care for Your Area. Jane supported David, preparing him for the interview, advising him to discuss his skills and to explain why he wanted to work within this sector.
David received the news he longed to hear. He had successfully secured a voluntary position and felt overwhelmed, relieved and proud.