"It has really built my confidence"

I was referred to the service by my care coordinator Trish as I kept saying that I wanted to return to work. I felt apprehensive but was looking forward to getting back to work. Work was a priority for me as I have worked all my life. I’ve had lots of difficult times in my life where I have not had close people around me. Being out of work made me feel low and not well. I began to panic a lot and was hoping and requiring support, as I felt that I had lost confidence. I was filling out job applications and forms, but I lacked the structure and support.

The initial appointment was with Employment Specialist Sandra. We were going through my work history, and I felt she was supportive. I was going through a period where I wasn’t too well and felt very anxious. I applied for lots of different jobs and started a few but I was not maintaining these jobs.

Employment Specialist Rayhaan took over in March 2023 and I felt working with Ray was very constructive and he was very patient. I really gelled with Ray. He listened and explained the support offered. I felt I had time to explore my CV and talk about what I enjoy. We explored options and I then pursued varied roles. Ray and I applied for and got a few jobs, which I maintained and I was very surprised at the support Ray gave me, it gave me that confidence to stay in these roles.

We found a job in the council and applied. When I found this job, Ray was able to help me with a presentation I was asked to prepare, for the interview stage. When I found out that I had got the job, I was pleased. For this job I received in work support with my employer involved. I was open and honest with my employer which I would not usually have been. I feel like without the support of the service, I definitely would have left this role after the first day. Ray and Team Leader John were able to see me and having this in work support really helped. I did not expect to get as much 1-1 support that I have received, and it has been brilliant. I have confidence and believe in myself as previous to this I lost a lot of self-belief. I have now been in the role for over a year which I attribute to the support I have received.

When working with Ray I feel valued, I have self-belief again and I look forward to the future and what it holds. It has really built my confidence. I would also like to thank Psychiatrist Trish, Team Leader John, and Employment Worker Isaac, who have helped me at different parts of my journey. I didn’t feel there were any barriers to attending appointments. I have been working with Ray for a year and the support has been intensive and ongoing. I feel there was somebody there that I can trust, and I felt able to say what was worrying me.

I feel it’s like a little family at Somerset house and their support has been pivotal.

One piece of advice I would give to someone beginning their journey with the service is that use the service to its fullest and get all the support you can. Don’t give up!