Here's a story from our Positive People team in Somerset:
Shaun originally met Clive from Positive People at a gadget show in Taunton job centre. He was later referred to the programme by his job centre coach who felt Shaun would benefit from the support. Shaun had been out of work for a number of years following a complicated illness that had left him with restricted mobility, but he was eager to move forward and return to work.
Shaun really wanted to improve his computer skills, his limited mobility meant he would need a job that allowed him to sit down most of the time and being computer literate would broaden the jobs he could apply for.
He had started a Level 2 European Computer Driving License (EDCL) but found the course was too high a level for him. Cosmic’s Digital Trainer Clive worked with Shaun to improve his basic computer skills and get his CV up to date. Following this, Shaun felt able to start a Level 1 ECDL course run through CMT training in Taunton – which he passed with flying colours!
Clive arranged for Shaun to get a mobile phone which he is able to use to quickly check emails and jobsites. Shaun already had a laptop, which was old but functioned well, and he has learned how to sync this with his phone to keep everything up to date. He has had more digital help with using Social Media, both to decrease social isolation and to explore the many job groups in his area. He has been working actively with I2A to improve his employability skills and has attended several workshops.
Shaun continues to work with Cosmic to explore volunteering opportunities and to keep his IT skills up to date. We wish him the best of luck going forward!