Riley Blossoms at Manor House Hotel.pdf
Riley’s journey began when she was selected for an eight-week placement at Manor House Hotel. Initially, she was reserved and uncertain about her role, as noted by Johnathon:
“She came in on that first initial show-around and was really attentive and really unsure of what she was trying to achieve.”
During her first tour of the workplace, Riley’s potential began to shine through in small but significant ways. Charlotte Daglish, an Engagement Officer at DurhamEnable, observed,
“She was very shy, very quiet, but she did little things, like she would open the door for me and let me go first. That was just the first little inkling, and I thought, ‘she’s going to fit in’.”
As Riley began working more shifts, her confidence grew rapidly. Johnathon made it a priority to place her in busier shifts to help her acclimate and build her skills. “Literally after the first shift, her confidence just blossomed,” Johnathon noted. Riley’s development was so sudden that when Charlotte returned for a review meeting, she was amazed at the transformation: “She served some coffee to me, and I couldn’t recognise her in terms of who she was at that initial meeting.”
The support Riley received from both Johnathon and DurhamEnable was key to her success. The structured environment, combined with the extra attention to her needs, allowed Riley to not only meet the expectations of her role but to exceed them. Charlotte’s observations captured this transformation: “I think she just owns the place if I’m being honest. I think she’s telling Johnathon what to do. I honestly love to see her now—it’s a completely different person.”
Riley’s journey is a testament to the impact that inclusive employment practices can have on individuals and businesses alike. The support she received enabled her to grow into her role with confidence, ultimately becoming a valued team member. Johnathon and his team at Manor House Hotel played a crucial role in this process, providing the necessary environment for Riley to thrive.
Through the partnership between Manor House Hotel and DurhamEnable, Riley was able to overcome her initial hesitations and develop into a confident, capable employee. As Charlotte put it, “She’s just comfortable where she is, and that’s all thanks to Johnathon and the extra support that we’ve offered.”
If you need additional support getting into employment, start your DurhamEnable journey today by completing our referral form.
