Daniel started on a bricklaying apprenticeship hoping that he could work while trying to manage his anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, the apprenticeship did not work out, and after six months in employment, he was out of work and visiting the job centre looking for employment.
At this point, Daniel was struggling with his self-confidence. He felt worthless, and the future felt daunting for him.
It was the Job Centre who suggested that Daniel refer himself to DurhamEnable as they supported people with disabilities, neurodiversity, and long-term health conditions. To begin with, Daniel thought that DurhamEnable was just like any another support service and was not sure referring himself would help at all.
However, the support that we offered, helped Daniel re-build his confidence brick by brick, and he realised that he wanted to work to support people who were in similar situations to his.
We supported Daniel to apply for, and be successful in gaining, employment with Horden Together who work to support people with mental health problems, substance abuse, one to one support or signposting to other organisations.
Daniel admits that this is hugely different work to bricklaying, but he feels that, thanks to the support of his manager Ali Turner at Horden Together and DurhamEnable, he has fit right in.
Although the work can be hard, Daniel never feels alone, and he enjoys helping and supporting people who are experiencing the same challenges that he did in the past. Daniel knows that if he’s struggling in his job, he has people he can ask for help and support.
James Dowson, Daniel’s DurhamEnable Job Coach, reflects, “When I met Daniel he seemed at a loss and was undermined by his doubt and anxiety, but I had a positive impression of him. I am sure initially Daniel felt that DurhamEnable was just another service, but he was quickly able to see beyond that to understand how the service could support him and help him see past the traumatic events in his past, which made him feel that he could not trust the world.”
“Once Daniel had regained his confidence and self-worth, he did not require a lot of support through the job application process and into work. I know that since he has started this job, he has had fantastic reviews from his manager, and we all feel that this job is a match made in heaven!”
“Daniel could not have been a better DurhamEnable client. He listened and did everything we asked of him. We are delighted that he is so successful in his job.”
“The difference in Daniel is like night and day, he is so confident and assured now.”
Daniel feels that he would not have achieved what he has without the support of DurhamEnable and recommends that anyone in a similar position to him should give DurhamEnable as try as it could change their life too.
He grew to trust James and felt as though the person-centred approach that James implemented really helped Daniel believe in his potential. Daniel has stated that James is a great asset to the DurhamEnable team and was fantastic to work with.
If, like Daniel, you would like support from DurhamEnable, you can start your journey today by completing our referral form.
